Enraptured: Immortal Chronicles Book IV

by Britt, Samantha

  Unfortunately, Paige’s father interrupted her spontaneous plan. He opened the door and gestured the girls inside. “Darcie, we are ready for you.”

  With a fortifying breath, Darcie stepped into the warm foyer. Shaking off her jacket, she rubbed her arms as she moved into the lodge. Her eyes soaked in the rustic décor, feeling at home in the comfy atmosphere.

  Hues of brown and red dominated the scene, accompanied by various animal furs draped on furniture and the floor. Her attention landed on the huge stone fireplace in the center of the room. Des, her mother, and a stranger stood around the warming fire. Lucas moved their direction, silently beckoning Darcie to follow.

  Paige lightly patted Darcie’s back and gave her an encouraging smile. Then, the teenage werebeast walked past her father and disappeared within the depths of the lodge. Darcie envied the girl’s ability to escape.

  The group grew silent with her approach. Darcie knew they had been talking about her. “Hi,” she greeted, holding her hand out to the stranger. “I’m Darcie.”

  The skin around the middle-aged man’s eyes crinkled with his smile. “Joseph Parker, at your service.” He grabbed her hand for a firm shake then released her. “Welcome to Fort Mesa.”

  “Thank you for having me,” Darcie returned. “I know we are asking a lot for your help.”

  His warm brown eyes dipped in appreciation. “We have remained neutral for too long. The Mesa pack will do what it can to help bring the rebel, Adir, to justice.” There was passion and truth in his words. Darcie knew they had a dedicated ally in the pack leader.

  “What has happened to make you change your mind?” Jennifer questioned. “Why align with The Alliance? Why take refuge in this fortress?” Darcie shot her mother a disbelieving stare. She thought the questions were rude and unnecessary. She wasn’t sure why her mother bothered asking them.

  Joseph, to his credit, did not let the questions trouble him. “Adir’s lesser immortals have been ravishing the surrounding areas. They are picking fights, seducing innocents, and walking away stronger and more destructive for their effort. My pack and I have retreated to the compound to escape their influence, but this is not a permanent solution. We refuse to live like rats forever.”

  Darcie was horrified to learn of the trouble Adir’s rebels were causing the unsuspecting population. If they were wreaking havoc in the small New Mexican county, she could only imagine the type of damage being done in larger towns and cities.

  “What a shame,” Lucas muttered solemnly. The reality of the pack’s situation impacted him greatly.

  “It is those crimes which The Alliance wishes to bring to an end. We thank you for giving us the chance to do so. We know it is not an easy sacrifice.” Des’ speech was sincere and full of the gratitude he described.

  Joseph’s gaze swung to Darcie. “My pack does not view it as a sacrifice. It would be a shame to let your vision go to waste. We are honored for the role we get to play.”

  “And we can’t wait to kick some lesser immortal butt,” a new voice called out. Darcie turned and watched a young man descend the rustic staircase. His dark brown hair gleamed with red highlights, and his cheekbones were accentuated by a wide grin.

  “J.J,” Joseph said the newcomer’s name with reprimand. “Manners.”

  “Sorry, Pop,” the young man landed on the main level and walked over to join the group. “I couldn’t resist. I am pumped to pay those bastards back for what they’ve done to our friends and family.” Darcie’s eyes widened at the fervor in his words. Joseph merely shook his head.

  The pack leader faced the group with an apologetic expression. “Please allow me to introduce my son, Joseph junior.”

  “Friends call me J.J.,” he stated, his eyes trailing over Darcie with interest. “So, you’re the girl with the vision?”

  His father hit him in the back of the head. “Show some respect, J.J.” Joseph turned to Darcie. “Forgive my son’s impudence, Lady Darcie. He knows very little of the immortal world and social niceties.” It was the first time someone had addressed her with the formal title. Darcie was not fond of it at all.

  “No worries,” she said sincerely. Then, she turned to J.J. “And, to answer your question, yes. I am the girl with the vision. My name is Darcie.”

  The werebeast’s responding grin was nothing short of flirtatious. He boldly gave her a wink and it took all of Darcie’s self-control to not laugh out loud.

  He and Paige would be a great fit.

  “My son is in charge of our pack’s fighting force,” Joseph told Des. “He is very well trained in military strategy.”

  “Indeed?” Des lifted an eyebrow. The immortal was eyeing J.J. with thinly veiled tolerance when the pack leader spoke to him.

  J.J. rolled his shoulders back. “Yes.”

  “Then we have much to discuss. Tell me, how do you plan to conceal our many allies as we wait for Adir to make his move?”

  “The compound has an intricate network of underground bunkers. The majority of your forces will reside there to hide from any rebel scouts.”

  “Very good,” Lucas praised, jumping in the discussion. He turned to Joseph. “I had no idea you had bunkers beneath this land.”

  “No one does,” Joseph revealed. “It is even a secret from many members of our pack. The network was built in the mid-50s by an overzealous ancestor. He was convinced a nuclear strike was inevitable and built the bunkers for the pack’s survival.”

  “His overreaction is to our advantage,” Des said. “I will send word to my brother. With your approval, he and those he trusts will begin to move our forces into the bunkers.”

  Joseph tipped his head. “Of course. The sooner they are here, the better prepared we will be.”

  “Any idea when this momentous battle will occur?” J.J. asked the group, but his eyes rested on Darcie. “Adir didn’t give you a date, did he?”

  “No, but there was a full moon, and he said he would attack at dawn.”

  “So two days,” Des elaborated. “If Adir sticks with his plan, he attacks in less than 48 hours.”

  J.J.’s light expression turned serious. “Then you are right; we have much to discuss. Should we retire to my office to go over logistics?” He spoke to Des, but the immortal looked at Darcie.

  The corner of her mouth lifted. “If you don’t think you’ll need me, I’ll pass on joining you,” she told her soulmate. “I’m not sure you need me for planning a battle.” She doubted she would have anything to contribute.

  Des continued to observe her, gauging the sincerity of her words. Realizing she was being honest, he nodded and leaned forward to place a soft kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you later,” his breath brushed against her ear. Her body gave an involuntary shiver.

  Des stepped back and grinned. She waved him off with a smile of her own.

  He turned on his heel and followed J.J. and Lucas to a hallway at the back of the main room. The two werebeasts were already speaking in low voices, discussing different ideas for how to approach the upcoming conflict.

  Darcie watched until the three men disappeared from sight. When she turned back to those in front of her, she was met by her mother’s irritated frown.

  Darcie blinked in surprise. “Mom? What’s wrong?”

  “Joseph, will you excuse us please?” Without hesitation, the werebeast made himself scarce.

  “What’s up?” Darcie asked her mom with worry.

  “I don’t like you being here.”

  This again?

  Jennifer Abernathy had not remained silent about her disagreement with the plan to lure Adir to the compound. She did not like the idea of using her daughter for bait any more than Des did, but she needed to see it was the only way.

  Darcie aimed for patience. “You know why I have to be here.”

  Her mother shook her head. “You’re here. You’ve walked outside. Any scouts could have already confirmed your presence. There is no need for you to stay here for the fight. Let’s go back to Greece a
nd continue working on The Veritas with the Elder and Brian.”

  Darcie ran a hand down her face. “I can train here. The Elder is bringing The Veritas as soon as Des says his arrival is okay.” It was only a matter of making sure he and the book remained concealed.

  “The Alliance is too hasty with risking your life.” Her mother would not relent. It was like her objections had been building and she chose that moment to unleash them.

  “Des approves,” Darcie pointed out, hoping the fact would relieve some of her mother’s anxiety. “He cares for me just as much as you do.”

  Her mother gave an uncharacteristic snort. “No one cares for their children like a parent.”

  Darcie sighed. “Mom, relax. Des is nervous too, but he has taken every precaution to make sure I’m safe. We have to do this. The Alliance can’t lose the chance to take Adir down forever. You have to realize that.”

  Instead of admitting defeat, Darcie’s mother grew more agitated. She shook her head vigorously and squeezed her eyes closed. “I don’t have to realize anything.” With that, Jennifer Bane spun around and stomped away from her daughter.

  Darcie wanted to call out for her to stop, but she decided against it. There was nothing she could say to convince her mother she was overreacting. Darcie admitted the plan came with a risk, but it was one she had to take.

  Soon, this will all be over, Darcie told herself. Then, everyone will stop worrying and enjoy the beginning of peace.

  32

  Darcie tossed and turned on the twin sized bed, frustrated by the fact she was unable to fall asleep. It was the night before Adir was expected to attack; Darcie knew her adrenaline was high, but she needed a restful sleep to help her face the trials the next day would bring.

  Huffing, she flopped onto her stomach and stared at the glowing red lights on the nightstand. It was almost midnight; she’d been trying to sleep for hours. She rubbed her eyes, dreading the fatigue she was sure to feel in a few short hours.

  Her mind continued to race. Despite Darcie’s best attempt to shut the memories out, her subconscious continued to replay her training with The Veritas that day, highlighting her failure utilizing the mystical book:

  “I don’t understand,” Darcie groaned, letting her frustration get the best of her. “I’ve meditated and I can use my abilities easier than before, but I can’t seem to read a stupid book!”

  “Calm yourself,” the Elder’s youthful voice commanded. “You are overreacting. The Veritas is not something one can master in a matter of hours.”

  Darcie bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to point out that she had attempted to use The Veritas on more than one occasion, but she suspected it would earn her the same reprimand from the wise being.

  She stared at the ancient text and observed the detail of the odd symbols and images across the page. Lifting a hand, she gently grabbed the bottom corner and flipped the page.

  Now, the pages in front of her were full of paragraphs of fancy calligraphy. But try as she might, Darcie could not decipher the strange language. She sounded out the syllables, but the Elder instructed that her phonetics were all wrong. Darcie nearly mastered Greek and its unique alphabet in barely two years; it was beyond frustrating she couldn’t seem to crack The Veritas’ unique language.

  To assist, the Elder sounded out the ancient spell one word at a time. Darcie tried to roll her tongue around the harsh and stilted sounds, but it was hard. For someone who apparently had natural gifts and abilities, the magical language was not coming naturally at all.

  “This is hopeless,” Darcie closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.

  “It is only hopeless if you believe it to be so.”

  Darcie lowered her hand and looked into the Elder’s empty hood. “I know I should practice as a backup plan, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I mean, the chances of us losing to Adir are low. Right?” She was looking for an excuse to abandon her task.

  After all, Darcie truly believed using The Veritas would not be required to defeat Adir in the surprise attack. She had promised to continue working to appease Des and Alex, but she knew the effort would be rendered useless once the rebellion lost.

  To her disappointment, the Elder did not agree with her words. “What will you do if a warlock or witch manages to infiltrate the compound? What if they find you?”

  “I will use my powers to fend them off,” she replied confidently. Ever since Paige’s meditation trick, Darcie’s control over her abilities had improved markedly. Add the fact she had a full quarter of Charmian’s blood in her veins, and Darcie felt sure she could combat any warlock or witch who came her way

  The Elder dipped his head. “What if a lesser immortal finds you? Do you think you could fend them off to avoid abduction?”

  Darcie paused. “Yes. I think so.”

  “And what about Adir?” The Elder probed. “What if he comes upon you?”

  “He won’t.”

  “How do you know?”

  Darcie shrugged. “There is no way Adir would be able to find me. Not unless…” She trailed off, unable to voice the words.

  The Elder had no such qualms. “Unless The Alliance is defeated,” he finished for her.

  “That won’t happen.” That can’t happen.

  “You have no idea what will happen.” His tone was not mean, just honest.

  “But you might,” Darcie grasped onto a string of hope. “Can you ask The Creator? If things look bad, we can call off the ambush.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew what his answer would be.

  “I am not entitled to such information. You know this.”

  A small tendril of doubt began to weave its way through Darcie’s mind. She fought to rip it away, but it delved deeper.

  “Adir won’t kill me unless he finds out what we are trying to accomplish with The Veritas.” Darcie was grasping at straws, trying to use anything to her advantage. She wanted to be done with the book.

  “What makes you so sure?” the Elder asked with genuine curiosity. “What makes you believe you are different from the others he has killed?”

  Darcie resisted the urge to draw into herself. “I don’t know.”

  “Adir murdered them all,” the Elder did not hold back. “Even the one he claimed to love. How do you expect to be the exception when all that troubled immortal wants is to harm Des?”

  Remembering the vision of Charlotte and Adir made her swallow thickly. To be honest, Darcie did not know why Adir found so much hope in forcing the bond with her to take her powers. If he really wanted to harm Des, he should have killed Darcie long ago.

  “Adir is too obsessed with power,” she murmured the thought. “He thinks highly of himself. He thinks he’s untouchable.” Adir would not expect Darcie to put up any fight. He wanted something from her, and he fully expected to get it.

  “Exactly,” the Elder stated with feeling. “You are the best surprise we have for Adir. He knows of your power, but he does not know what you can wield with it. If Adir finds you, if he breaks through the surprise attack, you will not let him take you. By using The Veritas–by using the power it takes to master such a powerful object, you can defeat him.”

  Darcie had no idea what made the Elder have such faith in her, but she could not find it within herself to mirror it.

  For the first time since she’d encountered the Elder, she heard him release a tired sigh. “Think on what I said,” he told her. “Perhaps, later, we can pick back up on your training.”

  Darcie nodded and slowly rose from her chair. She carefully closed the book and slid it to the cloaked man. Without a word, she turned and left the book behind. She did not return to resume practice that day.

  Now, lying awake and staring at the glowing clock, there was an aspect of the conversation she could not get out of her head. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to rest until she resolved the issue, Darcie sat up and swung her legs over the bed. She found the robe Eshe always ensured was packed with her belongings and tied
the belt around her waist.

  Not sparing a glance in the mirror, Darcie walked out of the room and made her way to the main floor. The stairs creaked as she descended, but she assumed Des would know of her approach without the sound. He was already standing and facing the stairway when she arrived.

  “You should be sleeping,” his deep voice soothed her agitated soul.

  “So should you.” She pointed to the stack of papers and maps spread out on the coffee table. “I thought the plan was all set.”

  He gestured to the sofa. She walked over and sat down on the end cushion. Des cracked his knuckles and sat on the middle cushion, allowing his legs to brush against Darcie’s loose pajama pants. He eyed her robe. “Aren’t you cold?”

  “Not really.” To be honest, she was too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice if she was hot or cold.

  Des’ gaze traveled from the crown of her head to the hands crumbled anxiously in her lap. “What’s on your mind?”

  Darcie contemplated denying there was anything on her mind. Now that she was beside him, the words she had wanted to say died on her lips along with her bravery. It was only Des’ knowing expression which made her realize the lame excuse would not work.

  Darcie inhaled deeply. Her hands started to shake, making her clutch them even tighter. She stared at her lap. “There is something I need to tell you… something I debated not telling you at all.” She gave him time to let the words sink in.

  When she risked looking up, his face revealed nothing but patience. “Alright.”

  She gulped. “It’s about Adir.” She watched the muscles in his arm flex.

  “What about him?”

  Darcie looked back down.

  This is it. She breathed in her nose. It’s now or never.

  She had held onto the information too long as it was. She needed to tell Des what she knew.

  So, Darcie closed her eyes and said, “I had a vision while I was meditating with Paige.” She waited for some feedback.