Runes of Destiny

by S. C. Winters

  Aleric looks at me and smiles. “Well, I’ll be working crazy hours, but it’s something I’m good at and I enjoy doing it.”

  “Ugh, who enjoys work?” I punch him in the arm and make him sit back in his chair at the bar before we both lose our seats.

  Just as we sit back down, and in struts Gabriel and Grayson through the bar door and The Honey Hole goes quiet. Then, all you can hear is the Elle Squad’s shrieking giggles as they come sashaying in behind them. I take a deep breath before shooting Aleric a look letting him know that I called it yet again and also add a roll of my eyes at how predictable they are. I sit back even further into my chair as Aleric waves them over to us. Then, and only then, does the noise level goes back to normal in The Honey Hole - thank The Great Mother that it fucking does.

  8

  Viola

  As they make their way over to us, I see Grayson is wearing a deep rich purple button-up shirt with black slacks. Gabriel is in a cream button-up shirt and black slacks. The Elle Squad are in matching tea-length dresses, but in different colors. Sara Belle is in pink, Janelle is in yellow, Danielle is in light blue, and Noelle is in light green. I lean over to Aleric and whisper, “They look like Skittles, taste the rainbow.” He chuckles and quickly hides it as a cough. Sara Belle, like always, gives Aleric the evil eye. He’s never gotten along with those girls, they are like cats and dogs, no pun intended.

  “Hey babe, you look beautiful tonight.” Gabriel says as he attempts to kiss my cheek. Zeke steps between Gabriel and I before he can get close enough and asks while handing Aleric his fried pickles, “What can I get y’all to drink? The local celeb gets his first drink on the house.” Clearly, it is Gabriel’s first time in The Honey Hole since he has been back.

  “I’d like a draft please. House special is perfect.” Gabriel answers as he slowly backs away, picking a seat on the other side of Aleric. Zeke gives me a wink as he turns around and goes to make all our drinks. I love that man a little more for this; he has my back. The Elles order something girlie and I cringe as they hover around us all. Well, specifically, they hover around Gabriel and Grayson. So, in my normal fashion that means I’m making faces at their backs.

  Grayson walks over to me. He leans in, “So, what’s the story with you and Gabe? I tried getting it out of him on our way here but he’s closed up like a clam.”

  “Why? Wanna know if you have a shot, big boy?” I say in a husky voice. What I really want to do is roll my eyes at him. Men, I swear, they gossip more than women.

  “I would like one yes. If you’re single that is. I don’t do married, mated or working things out. I’m not one for complications. So if you got a man in your life, just let me down easy, please baby girl,” he says with the best Southern drawl anyone has ever heard - it could give any girl shivers. After a quick mental slap I continue the little game that Grayson and I have started.

  “One, I’m not your baby girl. Two, Gabriel and I are history. Not that it’s any of your business. Three, I’m way out of your league, baby boy. If you want a hookup then ask one of the Elle Squad.” I reply with my best impersonation of his accent, nodding at the girls.

  “Why would I want a kid’s meal if I can get the best steak?” he says with a smile any girl’s knees would buckle for and I thank The Great Mother I am sitting down.

  I lean in and sniff, “What type of shifter are you? You’re not bear or wolf. Are you a kitty cat of some sort?” I ask, trying to distract him. Here is hoping it works. I am so not into flings, ready to date, or ready to talk about my history with Gabriel.

  Grayson looks taken aback by my bluntness - score. “Why would you ask that? What if there are humans around?” Then he thinks about it for a second and sniffs the air, I’m sure checking for any humans around us. There are a few but this community is made up of mostly supes. “Well, you’ll just have to guess. I will even give you five guesses. If you win, I’ll buy your drinks for the rest of the night. If you lose, however, you’ll have to go on three dates with me.” He says that last part a little louder so that not only can I hear, but so can Aleric and Gabriel. They both turn their heads quickly and growl. I’m surprised by the noise from Gabriel, but I turn to Aleric and roll my eyes. When I glance at Gabriel I can see he’s hurt by his friend. He’s always been a good bluffer, so his face doesn’t show it, but his eyes - those will always be his biggest tell. Especially to me, I’ve spent hours looking into those eyes.

  “Deal,” I agree as I sit and think about the things I know about the different shifters and their lore. I can quickly eliminate wolf, bear, and eagle shifters. Their specific eye traits give them away. I start to really think about which kind of shifters have violet eyes. I know there are some special angel shifters that have shades of purple eyes. I also know that vampires, as a race, have shades of purple eyes as well.

  “Question, are you truly a shifter?” I ask.

  “We’re not playing twenty questions, Miss Viola.” Grayson answers a bit annoyed.

  “Ahh, but you never said I couldn’t ask questions to narrow down my guesses. You just gave me five guesses to determine what you are. I’m trying to determine if you’re a shifter or a type of Vamp. That will influence my decision.” I state matter-of-factly.

  “Well she has you there,” Gabriel states, shaking his head chuckling. “She’s always been about the loopholes. It’s like she thrives on them.” He smiles over to me.

  “Since there were no specific terms about asking questions, I will answer. I’m a shifter. I wouldn’t last long as a filthy Vampire. I can’t do the whole not walking in the sun thing, baby girl. I need my fun in the sun. I need camping, being on the lake and making sure my beautiful self stays in shape.” Grayson explains as he caresses his hands up and down his body like it’s on display. He’s right, he has a beautiful body and he definitely knows it.

  I roll my eyes at him. “Well, since you so kindly answered my question. My first guess is that you’re an angel shifter of some sort.”

  Gabriel looks excited. Grayson does not. I think he has just figured out he’s going to lose this bet. “Yes, I’m an angel shifter of some sort. Can you tell me which kind I am? If you do, I will even let you have a signed poster to put up on your wall, behind your bed to help you dream about me, baby girl.”

  I laugh at him, “Why would I need a poster of you on my wall? I have all the men I need in my life to dream about. But I’m still going to guess you’re an Archangel Shifter.” I smile that smile at him that says gotcha.

  Grayson does not like my quip. “You’ll need it when your men fall short of pleasuring you every night. You’ll need to have something that will help you feel more satisfied. And, yes. I’m an Archangel Shifter. How did you guess?” He looks at me a little puzzled.

  “I know because my mother taught me all about the different shifter races. She had friends all over and was interested in all the different races. And for your information, I’m very satisfied being single, thank you. I have B.O.B. to assist. I have all I need.” I give him my sweetest smile and roll my eyes before I turn to talk to Aleric. He has been quietly listening in on my challenge with Grayson, smiling and laughing at my antics. He knew I would win.

  Our drinks come and Zeke is just chuckling to himself. He definitely overheard the whole conversation. He gives me a look that says if I want, he’ll boot Grayson and Gabriel out. I just subtly shake my head to convey that no, he doesn’t need to do that, and go back to having a conversation with Aleric. See, Zeke has my back. Honey definitely had all the luck by mating with that bear. Well I say luck but it was all fate and fate did well by them. They are the perfect pair.

  While sipping away at my drink, I see out of my peripheral vision that The Elles are all over Gabriel and Grayson, who has gone to sit beside Gabriel. I think I make a face, well I know I did because Aleric slightly turns around to see what I’m looking at. His once bright smile fades a little. He turns back to me and asks, “Want to move on to The Ring? I’m sure they can entertain t
hemselves till they catch up.” I smile at him and nod subtly. I know I won’t last long with the Elles around. Their presence just gets under my skin and makes me irritable. Quietly we slip out the back - thanking Morrighan for knowing the owners. Once we get to Aleric’s truck, he opens the passenger door for me and helps me in. I don’t know what’s going on with him tonight, but damn!! A best friend gonna get spoiled!! Maybe I can get Grayson to buy his drinks as well, after all he did lose and he lost hard.

  9

  Viola

  The Ring is the newest and only nightclub in town. They only finished the interior a couple of months ago, so it has only been open a few weeks. But boy has it been popular with the younger supernatural community. It used to be an old textile warehouse, nobody went near the place and not because it looked creepy. It was the smell. By smell I mean, the chemical odour that stayed in and around the warehouse even after all the years that it’s been closed. Still lingering to this day, which is unfortunate for most of the supernaturals with a heightened sense of smell. It’s good for the community that these older buildings are being used for new businesses. It’s also good for the younger members to get out and meet each other in a more relaxed enviroment. We have never had a club before, so hopefully it will bring more interest into the town from both humans and supernaturals alike.

  It’s about a thirty minute drive between The Honey Hole and The Ring. We ride in silence the whole way. Maybe Aleric is quiet because he thinks that after being in The Honey Hole with Gabriel I’d need some time to process the encounter and the fact that both he and Gabriel growled at Grayson when he was flirting with me. Like what was that all about anyway? Why would they growl at him, it’s not like Gabe still cares about me. Plus only shifters growl like that when they are protecting or threatening off a rival which explains Alaric growling but he was putting a warning out to leave me alone but I have no idea why Gabe did because he is definitely human. I mean it’s not like we really chatted at the bar but seeing him again in a social situation was never going to be easy for me, especially with all the Elle Squad panting for a chance with him.

  I thought Gabe was it for me and he left; he also left me to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. This last year, I have been doing much better and I was almost back to being my normal sassy self, but then Gabriel came back. I’ve had to deal with looking at his face, at those eyes, and it has been bringing up old feelings and memories. But I have managed and I am stronger for it, until he calls me Babe and I melt slightly. I just need to have him in small doses, that way I can handle this and keep moving forward.

  We reach The Ring and easily find a parking spot. Aleric gets out quickly and helps me out of his truck once again. I mean dang it all, he’s really spoiling my fine ass tonight. I wonder what is up with him. He’s never this gentlemanly with me. He is always respectful of me and any girl or boy lucky enough to tame him will have it set for life. But I have always just been his friend. If it wasn’t for the fact he was silent the whole ride, it would have been a nice gesture. As I hop out of the truck, I look up into his face and I instantly see something is wrong. We can’t fucking have that now, can we? This is meant to be a fun night out and he’s looking all sad.

  “What’s wrong Aleric? Why are you being so quiet? It’s so not like you. Did I upset you? Are you getting sick?”

  He gives me a quick almost pained sideways glance, then sighs loudly while taking his hand and dragging it down his beautifully chiseled face and down to his beard where it stays. It’s almost like he’s trying to figure out how best to express himself without giving everything away. This only adds to my growing concern; Aleric never hides things from me and has always told me everything since we were little. Finally, after the longest few minutes of my life, he turns to face me and speaks, “Honestly, I’m just wondering what’s going through your head. I’m wondering if I’m being too overprotective because Gabriel is in town again or if it’s.... I’m not used to sharing you anymore, Vi. It has been just us, and your dad, for two years and I’ve really kinda liked it.” He looks a bit sad as he says this, not his happy self.

  I’m a bit taken aback by his words. I mean yes, we have always been best friends. He’s also my protector when I can’t protect myself, but I never knew his feelings were so deep. Maybe I’m reading more into this. Maybe he just knows all the healing I’ve done and doesn’t want to see me go down that rabbit hole again. I know I have been a little closed off and don’t talk about my feelings as much. I never did talk about my relationship with Gabriel to Aleric all that much, it always felt a bit weird, but the important stuff we have always spoken about. I had Honey to talk the nitty gritty with, but maybe I have been more closed off than I thought. I don’t want him to think that. He is my best friend and I need him to talk to me. I don’t want Aleric to treat me as if I am made of glass.

  I stop midwalk and grab his arm. It’s as if a lightbulb has been switched on and I see the situation and emotions for what they really are. So I look up at him and just ask, “Are you saying you like me, like me? If so, why haven’t you ever told me this, Aleric? We’ve been best friends forever. When did your feelings change for me? Was it before or after Gabriel? Did you ever plan on telling me?” I rush to get my words out, I am working up to getting beyond pissed. How could my best friend not tell me. Is that why he stayed single? I assumed it was because he batted for the other team. Ugh, I feel like such an idiot for not seeing the signs. I literally don’t know how to feel right now. I am completely overwhelmed. I love Aleric. He is one of my favorite people in the world, but this is like having a bomb dropped on me. My emotions are all over the place with Gabriel back in town and now this.

  He looks at me with a gleam of love, happiness, and a bit of regret. I don’t know if he just realized that his cover is blown or that I never realized how deep his feelings ran before now. He brings his hand to my cheek and ensures that I am gazing directly into his eyes and says, “You will always be my best friend, Vi. I never wanted to push you into something you didn’t want or weren’t ready for.” He takes a deep breath and drops one of the biggest bombshells of my life. “I’ve known that you’re my mate since I was ten. It all fell into place that time Gabriel pushed you off the jungle gym during recess. When I saw what he did, I blacked out, my wolf took complete control and beat him up. Both of us were suspended for two weeks because of it. I’ve been waiting on the sidelines for you ever since and I had come to terms with the fact that you didn’t feel the mating bond like I do. I know it is hard for witches to feel any sort of mating pull. You aren’t shifters and that mating manifests differently for your kind. I know this is my role in your life. I probably wouldn’t have ever told you Vi, I’ve been too scared at the thought of losing you. You’re my best friend, Viola. I love you more and more every day. If this is my role in your life then so be it. I would rather be here as your best friend than not at all.”

  I lean my head into his big hand and try and process everything he just said. I close my eyes and just feel his warmth on my face. I can’t believe he has been holding all this in for so long. I open my eyes and look up at him again. I am about to speak when it finally clicks in my head what he just said. “Mate? I’m your mate? How?” I’m now totally freaking out. “I mean I feel something for you, I have since I was ten. That’s one of the reasons why I asked you to be my best friend. I feel safe and comforted when I am close to you. Was that the mating pull?” I say this all so fast and I can tell that Aleric knows that I am getting worked up.

  I have so many questions going through my head, I can’t think straight. I stumble back into the door of his truck and slide down to the pavement. I just need a minute to get my mind in order. Aleric squats and looks at me. I can see the concern written all over his face. He thinks he’s just screwed up. So I quickly add, “This is in no way a rejection, Aleric. I was unaware and am a bit shocked by your feelings. I had no clue.” He doesn’t look convinced, but he comes and sits next to me all while wrapping me up
in his arms. “You take as long as you need, Vi. If you need days, weeks, months or even years, I will be here, always as your best friend first. You know when my kind mate, it’s for life. I will always be here.” I fidget in his lap and find a comfy spot while I rest my head against his shoulder and sigh. Man, when did my life get so sideways - oh right, about two years ago when my mother died.

  “Do we have to go in, now? I don’t really feel like dancing anymore. I just want to go back and think if that’s alright with you.” I say looking at the parking lot rather than him. I don’t know if I can take seeing the hurt that I’m sure is on his face right now. I feel him nod. He lifts me up, opens the passenger door to his truck, sits me in the seat and buckles me in. Then he walks around to his door and gets in, starts the truck and drives off. I stare out the window the whole time, as I think through Aleric’s declaration. We have never had an uncomfortable silence, but right now it’s awkward between us and I know it is my fault. But I need time. I need to process. I can’t lose him in my life. I need him, but in what way is what I need to figure out and fast. I can’t hurt him any more than my silence already has. I love him. I have always known I’ve loved him. Now that I know he feels the same, will that change us and our dynamic? What about what I still feel for Gabriel? I don’t know if I can choose between those two right now. I don’t know if I have the option, but I can’t go into this with Aleric until I have my feelings for Gabriel sorted. I need to close off the chapter of Gabriel in my life before I consider starting something with Aleric. He deserves that. I love Aleric, but Gabriel was my first love, my first for many things. I take a deep breath and let it out, hoping that will calm my nerves - not likely though. Damn.