Eternal Love: (The Cursed Series, Book 4)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  “Do you believe her?” I asked, my heart lodged in my throat.

  “No.” Trent pulled out onto the road.

  “She wants me to change. She won’t kill me,” I said with so much certainty I actually believed it. “And if she can break this bond…”

  She could break the bond, and then Trent could change me. We’d all get what we wanted. But this was Ivy Rose, and that meant there was a catch.

  “She’s lying, Chloe. She’s telling you want you want to hear so you’ll let your guard down around her,” Trent said.

  “It can’t hurt to at least talk to her.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  There was a firm resolve to his tone, and I didn’t dare argue with him. I didn’t want to. Tonight had already been so emotionally taxing; I couldn’t handle anything else.

  “I meant we could talk to her. I wouldn’t go alone.” I stared out the passenger window, my mind racing. “You’re probably right, though. She likes to pretend to be on your side, but she always expects something in return.”

  “She’s a witch.” Trent huffed. “They always want something in return for their help.”

  I turned toward him, frowning. “What’s going to happen when she finds out we already made a deal with Isach?”

  In exchange for Isach rescuing me from Ivy, Trent promised him I wouldn’t break the curse.

  “I have no intention of telling her that.” He put the truck in drive and inched forward, his gaze darting around. “The less she knows, the better.”

  “Yeah, but we’re going to have to tell everyone else. Isach included,” I said.

  They had a right to know the Rose Coven was now calling Keene Valley home. Suddenly, this small town no longer felt very safe.

  “We’ll tell them. But not tonight.” He glanced at me with a sad smile. Then he took my hand and kissed my knuckles. “This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to end.”

  “The night’s not over yet,” I said with a shrug. “We still have to go to Whitney’s party.”

  “Then let’s go do that. We’ll deal with Ivy tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” I forced a smile.

  Though I had no idea how I was just supposed to forget about Ivy or the fact that she might be the only answer to breaking the eternal bond.

  CHAPTER FOUR:

  After Party

  TRENT MADE THE SHORT DRIVE TO his house. The place was lit up like Christmas. Cars were parked haphazardly in the driveway and along the road. Music blared from inside.

  “Did she invite the entire school?” Trent mumbled.

  “Probably. She’s really enjoying high school.”

  He shook his head, but there was a faint smile playing across his lips. “She needs to find her own house.”

  I laughed. I couldn’t imagine Whitney and Wyatt living anywhere else. They’d quickly become a part of Trent’s family—and mine.

  “You’d miss her if she left,” I said.

  He grumbled something I couldn’t quite understand as he parked. He met me at my door, and as soon as I was out, he took my hand, lacing our fingers. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, the gesture pressing against my ring, reminding me again of all that had happened, of how much closer I was to having everything I’d ever wanted.

  Too bad Ivy’s sudden reappearance had put a damper on such a special night. Or had she? If she was telling the truth about being able to help break the bond I had with Jax, then her showing up was the best thing to ever happen. But the only way to know for sure was to talk to her, and Trent was dead set against that.

  I forced thoughts of Ivy out of my head. I wasn’t going to let her ruin the rest of the night for me. Like Trent said, we’d deal with her tomorrow. There was a houseful of vampires that had my back, and I took a lot of comfort in that knowledge.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  I nodded.

  We climbed the porch steps, and Trent opened the front door. I’d never seen so many people in his house. Wall to wall bodies gyrated to loud, thumping music. People sat huddled in groups in various spots while couples hid in corners, making out.

  Trent’s face was hard and impassive. I couldn’t imagine what Sean must think of all this.

  “Oh, my God! I knew it!” Whitney shrieked so loud everyone froze and watched as she rushed toward us. She flung one arm around me and the other around Trent, yanking us into an awkward hug.

  I hugged her back as best as I could, but Trent wasn’t letting go of my hand, and I didn’t want him to. I never wanted him to let me go.

  Whitney finally released us, her gaze darting from me to Trent and back again. There was a huge grin on her face. “I’m happy for you two.” She reached for my free hand. “And now me and the girls are going to need all the details.”

  I glanced helplessly at Trent. There was no way I was getting out of this. Whitney wouldn’t let me. Neither would Abby. But for the first time ever, I was excited to give them all the details. I wanted to brag, just for a little while, about how incredible Trent was and how much I loved him.

  Trent cupped the side of my neck with his free hand and kissed me like he might never see me again. “Told you I was going to have to share.”

  I grinned. “Just for a little while. But then I’m all yours tonight, okay?”

  He nodded and reluctantly released my hand.

  As soon as I was free from Trent, Whitney dragged me through the crowd in the living room and into the kitchen where Ellie, Nick, Abby, Isach, Wyatt, Gina, and Luke sat around the table.

  A deck of cards was scattered between them. Their faces were red as if they’d been laughing, and I smiled as I glanced around at my friends. It hit me then just how much I loved Keene Valley and my life here. I wasn’t going to let Ivy or the Zoya or anyone else take this from me.

  “You four”—she pointed at the guys—“go find something else to do. It’s girls only for a few minutes.”

  “Chloe!” Ellie jumped up from Nick’s lap and threw her arms around me. “I was hoping you’d show up before I had to leave.”

  “So, what happened with Trent?” Abby asked.

  “Yeah, what happened?” Ellie asked, eyes bright with excitement.

  “They totally got back together,” Whitney said before I had the chance to speak.

  I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile. All at once, Abby, Ellie, and Gina squealed and rushed toward me, enveloping me in a group hug. I was getting a lot of those lately. I hugged them back. Wait until they found out Trent gave me a promise ring. They’d really freak out.

  “I knew this dress would do the trick,” Abby said when the hug ended.

  “It certainly didn’t hurt,” Trent said, coming up behind me and slipping his arms around my stomach. “But she’s beautiful no matter what she wears.”

  Abby and Ellie both let out a long, drawn out “aww,” huge smiles on their faces. I leaned into Trent, and he planted a kiss on my cheek.

  “Dude, you’re making us look bad.” Nick laughed.

  “Hey, no guys allowed,” Whitney said, glaring at Trent, then whipping around to probably do the same to Isach, Wyatt, Luke, and Nick.

  Slowly, they stood and moved out from around the table. Isach caught my gaze and gave a very subtle nod. I held my breath. I owed him my life—literally.

  If he hadn’t shown up to rescue me when he did, I wouldn’t be here right now. I hated that I was going to have to tell him Ivy and her coven where here—with the sole intent of protecting me from him and his coven. But if it came to making a choice, my alliance would be with Isach, not Ivy.

  “I was actually looking for Wyatt,” Trent said, releasing me, and I immediately missed the feel of his arms around me.

  “You found me,” Wyatt said. “So, what’s up?”

  Trent tugged me closer and lowered his mouth to my ear. “Meet me in my room when you’re done. And don’t be too long, okay?”

  A thrill shot down my spine, and I nodded.

  Trent disappeared with Wyatt, leavin
g me with my friends. Though my thoughts had wandered off with Trent… Why did he need to talk to Wyatt? Was Trent going to tell Wyatt about Ivy? Why tell Wyatt and not Sean? Or anyone else for that matter?

  “Okay, spill it.” Abby returned to her seat at the table, as did everyone else, and I sank into the chair Isach vacated. “What happened? Did he apologize for dumping you?”

  I laughed. Leave it to Abby to bluntly jump to the point.

  “Yes, he apologized. Said he’d been stupid and regretted his decision and that he was incredibly sorry and hoped I’d be able to forgive him,” I said.

  “Which you did, obviously.” Ellie propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her hands.

  “I did.” I smiled, then put my right hand flat on the table to show off the ring.

  It took a moment, but Abby was the first to notice. She nearly bounced out of her chair, her shrieks loud enough to bust an eardrum. “Is that an engagement ring?” she asked.

  “No. It’s a promise ring.” I explained how he’d given it to me and the promises he made, leaving out all mention of anything dealing with me changing. I’d explain all that to Whitney later, when we were alone.

  Ellie sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes. “That is the most romantic thing ever. You are so lucky, Chloe.”

  “Seriously,” Abby said, nodding. “Why can’t I have a boyfriend who does stuff like that?” She cut her gaze to Whitney. “Sorry.” She frowned.

  Whitney held up her hands. “Hey, you don’t need to tell me that my brother is the least romantic guy on the face of the planet. I already know that.”

  If only Abby would pay attention to someone other than Wyatt, she’d see that there was someone who wanted to do all this stuff for her. Not that I was completely sold on the idea of Isach and Abby, but I didn’t doubt his feelings for her. Witch or not, no one could fake the kind of emotion in his voice when he spoke about her.

  “So, he really said he wants to be your husband someday?” Gina asked.

  “Yeah.” I smiled, my heart melting at the memory of that promise.

  I wanted him to be my husband, sooner rather than later, but I hadn’t even finished high school. And now we had Ivy to deal with—again—along with this stupid bond.

  “Dibs on being your maid of honor,” Abby said, raising her hand.

  I laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of asking anyone else.”

  “You look so happy, Chloe. You’re glowing,” Whitney said.

  And with those two little words—you’re glowing—the world around me seemed to stop. All the air was forcefully sucked from my lungs. My heart was like a knife, stabbing at my ribs. My stomach recoiled and knotted.

  Jax was forever telling me I was glowing or that my aura was a particular color, one always tied to my emotions. I couldn’t help but wonder where he was right now, what he was doing. If he was okay. I hoped so. Though I doubted he was all right. I’d broken his heart tonight, and I knew from experience that’s not something you just got over. Still, Jax was strong; he’d be okay eventually.

  “Chloe? Are you okay?” Whitney asked, her hand over mine, snapping me from my thoughts.

  “Yeah. It’s just been a very long night.” I forced a smile.

  Between the dance, telling Jax I didn’t want to be with him, and then facing Ivy, the night was finally catching up with me.

  “I’m exhausted,” I said.

  Whitney gave me a knowing smile, patted my hand, then stood. “I can tell everyone to leave,” she offered.

  “No.” I shook my head, my resolve firm. “I have a lot to celebrate tonight.”

  “Yes, you do,” Abby said and stood. “So, let’s have some fun!”

  I forced all thoughts of Jax from my mind. I did what I needed to do, and I wasn’t going to feel bad for choosing Trent. I loved him, and my future was with him. After all, both he and Jax had told me to be selfish, to make this choice for me. And that’s what I had done. I refused to feel guilty about that.

  “Oh, Abby. Are we staying here tonight?” I asked.

  “Yup.” She grinned.

  I spent the next half an hour hanging out with my friends, dancing and laughing. Thoughts of Ivy and Jax faded, and I allowed myself to just be happy—something I hadn’t really done in too long.

  Ellie, Gina, and Tonya left, taking Nick and Luke with them. Abby sat on the couch, and Isach was next to her. They appeared to be engrossed in a deep conversation.

  “I think I’m going to go to bed,” I said to Whitney around a yawn. “Thank you for everything.”

  “That’s what best friends are for.” She gave me a hug. “I want the non-human version of what happened tonight,” she whispered.

  “Tomorrow. Promise.” I headed to Trent’s room to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, head down, elbows on his knees. “Trent?”

  He glanced up and smiled. His eyes were a crystal blue, but there was a hint of sadness behind them, a regretful torment. It was the same look he’d had in his eyes when he’d broken up with me. My breath caught.

  His shoulders were slumped, and he looked exhausted. Tonight had been just as hard for him as it had been for me.

  I closed the door and crossed the room to stand in front of him. “Are you okay?” I asked, fear weighing down my voice.

  Trent clutched my waist, then stood, bringing his body flush to mine. “I am now.” He breathed the words as if they somehow anchored him. He flexed his hands and pulled me closer.

  I tilted my head so I could see his face. “Are you sure?”

  Nodding, he licked his lips. “Did you give your friends all the details about tonight?” A small smirk tugged at his lips.

  “Most of them.” I laughed. “The consensus is you’re the best boyfriend in the world, and they’re all jealous.”

  “Hmm,” he hummed, and my heart fluttered. Then he adjusted his hands so they were flat on my back, his touch searing. “Your boyfriend, huh? I really like the sound of that.”

  “Me too.” I dragged my hands up his arms and leaned closer.

  My lips parted, and my eyes fluttered closed in anticipation of a kiss that crashed down on my lips a second later. There was something different about this kiss, though—something more intimate, like we were making yet another promise to one another.

  A promise that we’d never again be apart.

  CHAPTER FIVE:

  Change of Heart

  FRESHLY SHOWERED AND COMFORTABLY DRESSED IN one of Trent’s T-shirts, I was now snuggled up next to him in his bed. The party had mostly ended, only a few people remained, and the house was somewhat quiet.

  Trent had insisted on locking ourselves in his room, and I hadn’t argued. The blackout curtains were closed, and the door was securely locked. It was just me and him, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

  He stroked his fingers up and down my arm, leaving goose bumps in his wake. How many times had I been with him like this? Everything about it was so… right. And now, if everything went as I hoped it would, I’d have an eternity of this with him.

  Sighing, I draped my arm across his stomach and wiggled closer.

  “I thought the day you almost died was the worst day of my existence, but that was nothing compared to how I felt tonight when Jax told me you showed up at his room.” Trent pulled me even closer. “Thinking I might have to see you with him every day, knowing you chose him over me… that was my darkest moment.” His voice was strangled with emotion.

  Why was he bringing this up now? He knew why I’d gone to see Jax first.

  I twisted my head to glance up at him. “And now you’re stuck with me for an eternity,” I teased. There had been far too much doom and gloom and heartache in my life lately; I wanted to enjoy the good for a little while.

  He smiled. “Are you going to tell me what changed your mind about wanting to become a vampire?”

  Looked like I wasn’t going to get a chance to just enjoy being with him. He obviously wanted to talk about this right now. The sooner we
got through this, the sooner we could put it behind us and focus on our future.

  “You did,” I said with a sigh.

  “Me?”

  I nodded and folded my hands on his chest, resting my chin on my hands so I had a clear view of his face. “When you broke up with me, I was devastated. All I could think about was you, about the way you always smiled at me, the way you’d hold me and kiss me, the way I always felt so safe with you.” I swallowed back the emotion threatening to choke me. “I realized there was a strong possibility I’d never have that with you again, and I couldn’t stand it.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I already forgave you, remember?”

  “I know, but the guilt I have about all of this…” He shook his head.

  “Tell me about it,” I mumbled.

  “What’s that mean?” He rolled onto his side, and I did the same so we were facing each other. He curled his hand around my waist and yanked me to his body; not even enough a breeze could pass between us. “That’s better,” he said.

  I admittedly loved how much more affectionate he’d been since we’d gotten back together, and I hoped he never stopped.

  “Every time I’d go home after spending time with Jax, I’d be hit with this crushing guilt and shame, like I’d done something wrong, or I was betraying you. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think or speak. All I did was cry.”

  “I remember you telling me that.” He pressed a featherlight kiss to my forehead. “I’m sorry,” he whispered again. “Wait.” He eased back, brow raised. “Does that have anything to do with why you dragged me out of the cafeteria that day and asked me to kiss you?”

  I laughed. “Yeah. I needed to know if I’d have the same reaction when I was with you.”

  “Did you?”

  “No. I mean, a little. There was some guilt after, but only when I was physically near Jax. When the guilt hit me after being with him, though, it was constant and unrelenting. All I had to do was think about you, and I was wreck,” I said.

  I fiddled with the front of his shirt, pinching the fabric between my fingers, then smoothing it out. “And that night I came here after being out with Jax… I saw you standing in your doorway, and it was like someone had reached into my chest and ripped my heart out.”