“Now for the completion of your test, Darcy.” Klothos waved her arm before her and out of thin air something appeared in her hand. It was a napkin—the napkin. After all these years, I still recognized the familiar handwriting and the words from the spell. “Do you wish for another chance to recite this spell? If not for Gabriel, for another?”
Standing from the chaise, I crinkled my brow, curious about why I was facing the same decision. Having just relived the memory, I was even more convinced that winning someone’s heart through a magical cheat was wrong. I would rather be alone than know the person I was with truly didn’t love me. It went against my honor.
“I stand by my original decision, Klothos. This isn’t how I want to find my mate. I don’t ever want to rob someone of their will. If I can’t find love the right way, then so be it.” Unlike before, my conviction blazed through me, leaving no hesitancy.
“Is there no one you would want for yourself?” The past seemed to repeat itself as Klothos shoved the napkin at me. “Don’t be so quick to turn away from such an opportunity.”
I stepped back, my hands in the air in refusal. “I don’t want any part of this. I didn’t then and I don’t now. I won’t ever use magic this way.”
The young Fate paused in her urgings and studied me intently. I stood my ground, resolved and ready to defend my choice. There was no doubt this was the crucial moment—the true reason behind my taking a trip down memory lane. I was being tested about my willingness to use whatever means possible to get what I want and I knew I wouldn’t fail it.
“Your heart speaks the truth, Darcy. You hold no desire to use magic in such a way. You have passed the first trial. Congratulations.” She smiled, bowing with respect. There was a flash of light as the napkin burst into flames and disappeared.
“Thank you,” I sighed in relief. “That was definitely different from what I anticipated.”
“But you were evaluated, nonetheless. Never underestimate something simply because it appears easier. Those usually reveal more about a person’s character than you can imagine.” I nodded in agreement as Klothos stretched her arm toward me. “Come, let me return you to your own suite and your companion. I’m sure he’s anxious to see how you fared.”
“We need to do that transportation thing again, don’t we?” I steeled myself for the ordeal and thrust out my hand. “Let’s do it quickly.”
I could’ve sworn I heard a soft lilting chuckle before everything went dark.
Reappearing in my own suite, I prepared myself for the lung crushing feeling from being transported, but was surprised when I wasn’t left gasping for air. Whether I was becoming accustomed to it or Klothos had lessened the effects, I was grateful for the respite.
“Thank goodness you’re all right.” Devlin stopped his pacing across the room and rushed toward me.
“I am.” I laughed before being crushed against his muscular body in a tight embrace. Tension radiated from Devlin, evidence of his concern and I wrapped my arms around him. “Had you doubting, did I?”
He pushed me away from him, his gaze skirting over me as he inspected for any injury. “I had full confidence in your ability to succeed in this, but when you didn’t return after three hours, I started to worry. What the hell did they put you through?” He brushed aside stray hair that had fallen across my eyes.
“It wasn’t so bad. Wait, I was gone for three hours?” It hadn’t seemed that long when I was experiencing it—an hour, hour and a half tops. No wonder he was giving off so much anxious energy when I finally returned.
“Yeah, it’s late in the evening now. Dinner was served while you were still gone. Come, sit down and tell me everything.”
I let Devlin guide me to one of the couches and, folding my legs beside me, I ran my fingers through my hair. “They put me in a trance and had me relive some childhood memories.”
“That’s it?” It was good to see I wasn’t the only one surprised by the first trial selection. “Hmm, maybe the myth about how brutal these tests were was exaggerated.” A pensive expression flashed over his features.
“I don’t know, but it was definitely interesting. Do you remember that guy I thought I was in love with? Gabriel? The memories were about him and a decision I made. I didn’t tell you back then, but Anne had me meet with a witch who gave me a way to make him mine.” Devlin’s eyes widened slightly and I shook my head. “Don’t worry, I didn’t take the spell. I couldn’t. The Fates had me relive it and then offered me the incantation again. They told me I could have anyone I wanted—all I had to do was take it.”
“What did you do?” Devlin studied my face and I rolled my eyes at him.
“What do you think? I said, ‘no’. That’s not who I am.” I punched his shoulder and laughed when he faked a wince. No matter how strong I was as a werewolf, there was no way my puny throw could’ve hurt him. “And you know that!”
He tipped his head back and let out a deep chuckle. “I do but it’s good to hear. It’s definitely an interesting choice, but a smart one. What better way to uncover your motives than tempting you with the desires of your heart.”
“That’s what I was thinking. I’d completely forgotten about that whole incident. Just goes to show he truly wasn’t the one for me. I can’t imagine not being able to remember the man I love, my soul mate. That kind of love becomes deeply ingrained.” I let out a weary sigh. “Nope, Gabriel was just a passing infatuation. I stand by my choice.”
“I’m proud of you, sweetheart. I know it’s not an easy thing to pass over. Many would have succumbed to the offer, opting for the quickest way, regardless of who they hurt in the process. It shows real character and integrity.” He affectionately tousled my hair before cupping the side of my face. “Any idea when the next test is scheduled?”
I placed my hand over his and smiled. “No, but hopefully I won’t have to wait too long. I feel really confident at the moment.” A yawn abruptly surfaced. “And really tired. I guess being under a trance is exhausting work.” Standing from the couch, I stretched out my body, twisting at the waist.
“You hungry?” Devlin rose up off the couch and moved toward the small kitchen area. “I made up a plate for you, just in case.” He produced a covered dish that revealed assorted meats, salad, and a bread roll. Even from where I was standing, it smelled delicious.
“I think I’m going to have a shower first, and then go to bed.” Approaching the kitchen, I gave Devlin a quick hug before swiping the roll from the plate. “I’ll take this just in case, though.”
“Okay, I’m going to stay up a little longer and read, so holler if you need anything, okay?” Putting the food away, Devlin was already focused on the tall bookcase filled with different shaped books. Knowing him, he’d lose track of time once he found something interesting.
“I will. Love you,” I answered, as another yawn appeared. Leaving the room, I wasted no time in rinsing away the day’s adventures under the pounding jets of hot water. A shower was exactly what I needed, the luxurious steam relaxing me. By the time I crawled into bed, it didn’t take long to fall asleep.
I found myself lying on sun-heated rocks, beside a beautiful waterfall. Lush green foliage hung heavy from high branches and the constant splashing from falling droplets created the perfect ambience. Skimming my fingertips through the crystal clear water, it was the right temperature for a swim, but I couldn’t bring myself to move. I was in heaven.
I’d never been to this secluded haven before. Surrounded by tall trees and low bushes, streams of sunlight fell on my body, making it tingle with warmth. I felt so good, peaceful, and I closed my eyes. I could hear the leisurely scamper from woodland creatures, busy going about their day. Singing softly to myself, my thoughts wandered in and out, never focusing on one thing.
A twig snapped nearby, but I ignored it. I was all alone and didn’t sense any immediate danger—it was simply an animal getting too close.
“I wondered if I’d find you here.” A masculine voice stirred my awareness.
Sitting up, I found myself looking at a stranger, the gorgeous stranger from before. He was tall, with a muscular frame and the most stunning blue eyes I’d ever seen. He was peering down with a smile that said he was happy to stumble across me.
“Do you know where ‘here’ is?” I asked, reluctantly standing and bringing my contented sunbathing to an end. I tugged my t-shirt down to cover my bare stomach and pulled on the hem of my shorts. I hadn’t been naked, but the way the guy’s focus seemed to be soaking in my appearance, I felt that way. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel threatened.
“It’s our place.” He grinned, taking a step closer. He raised his arm to brush his fingers through the hanging branches and pulled off a few leaves. Inhaling the fragrance for a moment, he let them fall to the ground and glanced around. “We like to come here and be alone.”
I followed his gaze and nodded. It did fit the description as a place for an intimate getaway. “We come here?” I studied his face, but still didn’t recognize him. This turn in the dream made no sense, but I wasn’t going to fight against it. I was here, with a man who looked on me with desire, in a place that was nothing short of heaven.
“We do.” He didn’t add anything more to his response. With a wink, he moved toward the water’s edge and crouched to test the temperature. “Perfect. Shall we?” He extended his hand and when I stared back at him curiously, he laughed. “I’ll go first.”
Stripping off his shirt, my eyes feasted on his hard muscles and contoured ridges. He was tanned, showing he’d spent many hours out in the sun. I gave a soft, appreciative sigh. He dove into the pool, swimming below the surface until he reached the other side.
“Are you going to join me?” Liquid cascaded off him as he stood and my mouth felt suddenly dry. I quickly slipped out of my clothes, leaving just my bra and panties on, before carefully jumping in. The water glided over my skin and I smiled at how good it felt.
I dipped under the surface, sleeking my hair back. “Is it strange that I don’t know who you are?” I kept a close eye on him as he started swimming toward me. “I feel like I should.”
“You will. In time,” he answered cryptically, and disappeared beneath the water.
I scanned the area, wanting to see where he was and shrieked when I felt his hand grab my leg, tugging on it. Fingers grazed up my thighs before he vanished again. His touch was so familiar—everything was and I was determined to understand.
“What’s your name?” I coaxed as he emerged a few feet away, a large grin on his face. “I’m Darcy.”
“I know who you are.” He grinned.
“But I don’t know who you are.” I was getting tired of being evaded. My dream had gone from something relaxing to exciting to frustrating.
He stopped moving and locked eyes with me. Heat blazed from within him. “You know me as many things: best friend, partner, lover.” The water parted about him as he strode toward me with definite purpose.
The descriptions struck a chord with my heart. Yes, he was. But still, I couldn’t I remember his name.
“Does it matter?” He traced the side of my cheek tenderly, tilting my chin so he could study me. When I nodded, he parted his lip to speak. “Very well, my name is . . .”
His mouth moved and somehow I missed it. Seeing my confusion, he spoke again, but no matter how many times he uttered it, I heard nothing.
Something drew his attention away. An awareness and then sorrow filled his features. Leaning in, he brushed his lips over mine in the sweetest kiss. It was barely a caress—more like a whispered declaration, and it sent a shiver through me.
I stared deep into those blue eyes and wanted to weep when he slowly faded away, leaving me alone again. A cold breeze caused goosebumps over my skin and the sun ducked behind a cloud. The once magical haven was now empty and void of enjoyment. He was gone and my heart ached. Touching my lips, I tried to hold on to the sensation he’d created with his kiss, I missed him already.
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself snuggled deep under the bedcovers. I was back in the suite, and what seemed so tangible in my dreams lacked the clarity of reality. I groaned against my pillow.
My body still coursed with emotions—a strong longing the most prominent. Light peeked through the slightly parted curtains, telling me morning was here. I was tempted to go back to sleep so I could find him again, but I could hear Devlin moving about in the other room.
“No more sleeping for you, Darcy,” I murmured, slipping out of bed and padding across to the bathroom for a shower. It wouldn’t do me any good to fixate on the man from my dreams with more tests in my future.
Standing under the streaming hot water, I gave one last thought to the paradise of my dream, before focusing on the new day.
