Intended Series Collection: Books 1-6

by Abigail Grant

  Barron turns his head to me and watches my face closely. “Your eyes are almost entirely gold. I am surprised by how quickly things have developed for you.”

  I raise an eyebrow at him. “Well, I have been hunted by demons a bit more than your average Seer-teen.” I lean back against the wooden headboard, figuring I might as well get comfy along with my tormenter. “I don’t really have a lot of time to waste, you know?”

  Barron nods against the bed behind his head. “That is my fault, I suppose,” he says too easily. More like absolutely, one hundred percent your fault, you freak!

  I cover my face with my hands, frustrated and just wanting to sleep. “Okay, I’m done with this, Barron. Are you ever going to come kill me, or what?” Might as well get on with the fight.

  Barron sits up again and stares down at his hands. “I am almost free,” he says, almost too quiet to hear.

  “Free from what?” I ask.

  “You do not know this, young Ganis.” He takes a deep breath. “I am in a prison in hell. I have been here for over two months.”

  I try to imagine what kind of prison hell could have. It’s already a prison in itself. “What could get a demon placed into a hell prison?” I ask with honest curiosity.

  Barron lets out a deep chuckle sound. “Well, I am a very powerful being, as you may know.” I scoff at him. “In any place or community with a hierarchy of sorts, there is always a higher level of power. I happened to upset many members with more… influence than I have.”

  I close my eyes and can’t imagine something worse than him. “But, what did you do to upset them? Why not just leave them alone?”

  Barron tilts his head at me with an eyebrow raised. His look is pointed, like I should know the answer to my own question. “Young Ganis, this was when you were lost to me after you killed that little Thrane demon. I did what I had to do in order to get some needed information.” He shrugs. “My plan was to infiltrate those higher demon’s dreams to find out anything I could about the girl that got away. I left without the information I needed and with some time in prison.”

  I shrug. “Two months isn’t a lot of time in prison. That seems pretty lenient for hell, of all places.”

  Barron chuckles again but it comes out an unhappy sound. “Hell prison is no ordinary place. The days feel as if they could be years and the torture is immeasurable. It has been nothing I can not handle, though, and I will be out very soon.”

  “How soon, Barron? A month? A week? Tomorrow?” I would really like to be given an exact time, but I have a feeling he won’t comply.

  Barron stands from the bed and smoothes down his un-wrinkled robe. “Soon,” he says and I want to scream at him.

  I throw up my hands. “ Okaayy … You said that already.”

  He nods and turns away from me. “Sleep, Ganis. You need it,” is all he says before I’m left alone to wake from my dream.

  ***

  “Ouch!” Alexa yells at me from the gym floor. “Holy crap, El! You’re kicking my trash!”

  I run to her and lift her off the ground. “I’m so sorry! I promise I was trying to be gentle. I can’t get a good hang of the air bending thing.”

  Alexa flips her red curls away from her face and shakes her head at me. Her hands fly up in front of her. “Are you kidding?” she practically yells again. “You’ve absolutely got the hang of air, girl. And I told you a thousand times, don’t try to be gentle. Demons aren’t going to hold back so neither should you.”

  I blush at her praise. We have been throwing air blasts at one another for almost an hour and I’m breathing heavily from the fight. “I don’t want to hurt you though. You’re not my enemy, Lex.”

  She rolls her eyes at me and an evil smirk stretches across her pink freckled cheeks. “You need an enemy to get you goin’, huh?” She clenches her fists at her sides. “Okay,” she says easily, and runs at me.

  I squeal and try to dodge her attack but I’m too late. Her shoulder rams my side and knocks me to the floor. I groan and try to jump back up, but the sudden whip of air she throws at me picks me up and drops me down again. “Lex!” I yell at the blur running circles around me, and the warmth in my veins becomes uncomfortable.

  “Can’t find me? Poor little girl, so helpless,” she heckles me.

  I try to focus on her shape as she runs and I slowly spread my internal heat evenly throughout my body. I’ve always tried to shoot it all out at once, but I don’t want to kill my future sister-in-law. And taking more control is something I need to learn.

  Every inch of my skin is warm and my eyes lock onto the red-headed devil. She catches my eye and smiles at me, but her smile quickly drops as I raise my arms and her next step doesn’t touch the floor. Her feet are only touching air as I lift Alexa off of the ground.

  I release only bits of energy at a time as I lift her higher and higher, until her back is against the high ceiling above us. She looks around her in shock and a wild giggle crawls out of her floating body. “El! This is freakin’ sweet!” She waves her arms, but doesn’t budge from her spot. “I really can’t get out of this. That’s amazing.”

  I pull back small sections of wind, causing Alexa to gently fall back to the ground. She lands on her feet and steadies herself before jumping up and down in excitement.

  “We have to show Gavin this trick, El! That was so cool.” She pulls me into a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re going to be my sister.”

  I hold her tight. “Me too, Lex. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without your crazy tactics.”

  She chuckles against me and pulls away, her golden eyes proud. “Barron doesn’t stand a chance. That is, if he ever shows up.” She rolls her eyes.

  I sit on the gym floor in a tired heap. “Well, that time is apparently soon. Or so he said last night. I just hope I’m ready.”

  Alexa sits criss cross beside me. “He came to you last night? Did he say how soon he’ll be here?”

  I shake my head. “He is definitely a demon of few words.” I scoff. “Just soon. Who knows what that means to a person who has been around for centuries.” I lay back on the floor, done with all of the drama already.

  Alexa leans over me so her hair frames her smiling face. “I have an idea,” she says, sounding excited.

  I hesitate, not so sure I want to hear this idea. “What is it?” I ask.

  “You and Gavin should get married this Saturday, on your birthday.” She holds up her hands as I sit straight up again. “Just hear me out. Being officially bonded with one another, you’ll both be stronger and faster and you’ll be able to communicate more fully.”

  I think over her words. I’d love to be married to Gavin sooner rather than later, but Saturday is only three days away. How is that even possible? What a birthday gift, though.

  I sigh. “I don’t even know how to plan a bonding ceremony, let alone in three days! And who knows if Gavin would even be on board?” I hang my head, letting my hair curtain my face. Oh boy, just the thought kills me.

  It’s like Gavin hears my call for him. He steps through the gym door, dressed in his dark jeans and tight gray hoodie. Always the fashionista.

  He tilts his head at me with a sideways smile. “I’m on board, love,” he says and I want to melt right here on the gym floor.

  “Okay,” I say like the wordsmith I am.

  In three days I’ll be a wife… oh boy.

  Chapter 2

  Okay, my palms are sweaty, along with nearly every other part of me. My golden eyes stare back at me in the full-length mirror and I can feel my reflection judging me. Do I look like a nineteen year old bride?

  My bare feet, with freshly painted toenails poking out of the fuzzy plaid pajama pants, don’t feel cold. I guess that’s a good sign. I don’t want to run away and change my name. I want to marry Gavin, my Intended. I’m sure of it.

  The only thing I don’t feel sure of today is if I am ready to handle the change that is coming. I’ve been told that bonding to someone is intense. The feelings
could be overwhelming, while also spectacular. I can’t imagine feeling more intensely about Gavin. What if it’s like that whole Seer puberty thing? Yikes, I might not be ready for another one of those.

  I smooth out my long sleeved pajama shirt and run my hands through my incredibly stiff bed head. I still have the word “teen” in my age and I’m getting married to my soulmate. My parents were my age when they bonded. I just hope Gavin and I have more time together than they did.

  “Ahem.” A noise pulls me from my thoughts and I spin toward my bedroom door.

  My eyes go wide and I squeal in excitement at Kassy as she stands way too chill in my doorway. “Oh my goodness, Kass!”

  I run to my best friend and hug her like we’ve been apart for a year, when it has only been less than two weeks. Kassy’s normally brown hair is a platinum blonde, but still smothers me with its signature coconuty scent as usual.

  “I’ve missed you so much, El.” She hugs me tightly.

  I push her at arms length to study her new appearance and I have to agree with Liam that she is a knockout. “You’re gorgeous, Kass! I love the hair even more in person. It suits you.” I tilt my head noticing something else is different about my sweet friend. I can’t place my finger on it though. “What else did you change?” I ask her, puzzled.

  Kassy blushes under my perusing gaze and runs a nervous hand through her light hair. “Uh, don’t be mad okay?” she says suddenly shy. I pull my head back, confused and worried.

  Kassy holds up her left hand and sitting on her ring finger is a small, diamond encircled silver engagement ring. My mouth drops open, surprisingly not touching my chest with how wide it falls.

  I grab Kassy’s hand in mine and study the beautifully simple ring. “What is this? Are you engaged, Kassy?” I almost yell the question at her.

  Kassy grimaces and her whole face scrunches up, showing guilt. “Actually… Liam and I sort of already got married.” She closes her eyes, ready for my freak out to hit her.

  I gasp and drop her hand. My hands cover my mouth and I nearly release some very explicit language. As much as I’m sure Kassy thinks I’ll disapprove, I’m completely ecstatic for my two best friends.

  “No way!” I yell and Kassy opens her eyes tentatively. “That is so flipping incredible, Kass!” Tears fill my eyes and I feel like a happy momma talking to her baby girl.

  Kassy smiles and releases a long-held breath. “You’re not mad at me for eloping without you?”

  I shake my head. “Kassy, I’m proud of you for opening your heart up and taking action. Liam is the one for you and I’ve known it for a while now. I’m just so happy for you both.”

  I pull her into my arms and the two of us cry together, still in my opened doorway, when a voice interrupts our girl-time. “Can I come out now?”

  Liam peeks around the hallway behind Kassy and I can’t help my laugh at his concerned face. I release Kassy and jump into her husband’s arms. “I’m so happy for you guys, Liam! Thank you for taking care of Kassy for me.”

  Liam hugs me back and chuckles before leaning back and smiling down at me with his perfectly combed sandy-blonde hair. “Oh, thank the heavens. Kassy has been so stressed about how you’d react. Maybe now, I can actually start showing off my wife to the world.” He turns to her and winks.

  I smile at them both. As fast as I thought this bonding was happening for Gavin and I, these two still happened to beat me to the big day. Somehow, it’s comforting that I’m not getting married first. I can feel the heavy pressure leave me slightly as I watch their happy, googly eyes.

  Liam takes Kassy’s hand and kisses the back of it before turning back to me. “By the way, we’re both really glad you and Gavin are getting married… or uh, bonded.” He says the word with a questioning eyebrow lift.

  I nod to him. “Yes, bonded. It’s surreal to even think about, but today is the day.” Did I really just say it out loud? I’m getting married today!

  Kassy shakes her head. “Today is the day, El. And I couldn’t imagine a better pair than the two of you.” She glances up at her husband. “Well, other than us of course.” She giggles.

  Liam nudges my arm. “By the way, Neo is out in the living room. He wanted to talk to you, but we called shotgun.”

  I shrug, wondering why he would want to talk with me. “Send him in, I guess. I better hurry and start getting ready for my big entrance.” I try to smile but I’m sure it comes out nervous and probably terrified.

  Kassy hugs me again and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll be back to help you get ready after you talk to Neo. Oh, and before I forget, happy birthday.”

  “Happy birthday!” Liam shouts as Kassy drags him behind her down the hallway.

  I turn back to my mirror and try to fix my bird's nest of hair. I see Neo behind me and turn to him with a smile. We haven’t been alone together since Texas and it’s a good feeling to be able to talk to him again.

  “Hey Neo,” I say to him.

  His smile isn’t as happy as mine as he gives me a nod and short wave. “Hey. No offense, but you don’t look ready to walk down the aisle,” he teases.

  I try to flatten down my hair and glare at him. “I just woke up! Don’t be mean!”

  He laughs, but it still lacks the humor I’ve seen from him before.

  I sit on the ottoman at the foot of my bed and wave him over to sit beside me. Standing in the empty room so formally just feels off. Neo and I were fated to find one another, and even though we are both intended for other people, we have a connection that will never fade.

  “What’s going on, Neo? You don’t seem to be in the party mood.”

  He shrugs and twirls his fingers together on his lap. “I feel like leaving. You know, just taking off and not coming back.”

  His words shock me. “But, I thought you were having a good time here with Lex. You love her don’t you?” I know what it feels like to have an Intended. There is no way he doesn’t love Alexa.

  Neo groans and lays his head in his hands. “Yes, I really, really love her, El.” His golden eyes find mine and there is sadness in them. “That’s the problem. I love her enough to want what’s best for her… but maybe that’s not me.”

  My eyebrows scrunch together and I want to punch him for thinking that way. “Neo, you are a great person. You saved my life, and my cousin’s life. You are strong and caring. Even when you thought the thing between us was more than friendship, you never pushed it. I know your heart is good.”

  He shrugs and avoids looking at me. “But what if I’m like my dad?”

  I’m quiet. The only thing I know about Neo’s family is that his mom passed when he was young and his dad was awful to him. He never gave me details, but I had to imagine it was bad, considering he ran away and never went back.

  “Neo,” I say, but I don’t know what to say next. I’ve never experienced abuse, so how do I relate to that?

  He glances at me but quickly looks away again. His broad shoulders are slumped forward and his pointed jaw is harder than usual. “My uh… my dad used to hit me a lot.” He shrugs again. “I can’t really say why. He just felt angry, I guess. Not when my ma was alive, though. It’s like he always had this anger in him and once she wasn’t there to calm it, he couldn’t control himself anymore. It all came out.”

  I breathe slowly, letting him talk without interruption. “I get real angry sometimes, too. It’s like I want to hit something out of nowhere. That’s why I’ve traveled and found demons to kill. I was always afraid I’d hurt someone good if I didn’t fight the evil.”

  I touch his shoulder. “You’re not like your dad, Neo. I can tell you that just from the month I’ve known you. Don’t leave without even knowing who you could be with the person you’re meant for.”

  He is quiet for a minute. “I’m sorry for kissing you in Texas.”

  I nudge him. “Well, I should have told you about Gavin sooner. I mean, I did move in with you and never mentioned that I had an Intended. I honestly can’t blame yo
u for taking a chance.”

  He nods. “Yeah, it really was your fault.” He smiles and I laugh at his teasing. “Seriously though, don’t be mad, but I do not see you that way anymore. After meeting Alexa, my whole world has changed.”

  “I know what that’s like. Those Cole twins can really sweep an orphan off their feet.” I giggle again and this time he joins me with his much more masculine chuckle.

  “I guess I’m just scared. It has been a long time since I’ve had a real home. Alexa feels like that home, you know?” His words make me want to start crying again.

  Today is going to end me.

  I nod. “Oh, I definitely know that feeling, Neo.”

  Chapter 3

  “Are you ready, hon?” Aunt Mags places her hand on my shoulder as we stand together in Gavin’s dining room.

  I don’t have an answer to her question. Am I ready to marry Gavin? Yes. Am I ready to realize my full strength? Maybe. Am I ready to be a wife and a demon fighter? If only I knew. I’ve been a demon fighter for a while now, against my wishes, but I’ve never been a wife.

  How can I want to marry Gavin but also be afraid of the idea of being someone’s wife? I’m supposed to be a student right now, dealing with stupid college guys and mean girls, having adventures that make me realize my potential and my place in the world.

  I guess I’ve done all of that in one way or another.

  I stare at the large double doors before me. I haven’t even looked outside at the ceremony setup. Alexa and Kassy wanted to surprise me and do it all themselves as a birthday gift. Knowing those two, it’s definitely over-extravagant and probably a lot to take in.

  It’s not dark out yet, but I can see the orange light from the coming sunset bleeding through the curtains on the glass doors. It’s time for me to make my entrance and meet Gavin on the path only feet from me.

  I run my sweating hands along my white chiffon dress. The beaded white coil around my waist pulls the dress tight around me with each deep breath I take. My arms are bare, with only two thin straps to hold my flowy, floor-length gown on me. I never knew wedding dresses could be beautiful and comfortable, but I have Gram to thank for that. The woman has impeccable taste in everything under the sun it seems.