Eternal Love: (The Cursed Series, Book 4)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  He laughed. “All right. Let’s make a deal then. From now on, when we ask a question, we can’t answer with another question.”

  “You’re totally going to lose at this.” I laughed.

  “So, is it a deal?”

  I nodded, excited that he’d now have to answer my questions, and I had so many of them. I didn’t know where to start. But for the first time in a really long time, I was excited for the future. I was scared, too, though, because we still had to deal with Ivy and the Zoya.

  “When are we going to tell everyone about Ivy?” I asked, hating to ruin the day with talk of her, but we couldn’t avoid it.

  “I can gather everyone at my house after school on Tuesday,” he said.

  Unease swirled in my stomach. What if someone saw Ivy in town before then? Would they be angry we didn’t tell them immediately? Even though she said she was on our side, that she’d protect me, I still didn’t trust her. She could easily hurt someone I cared about, especially now that she was in the same town.

  “Maybe we should tell them tomorrow,” I said, though I wasn’t positive Aunt Beth would let me go to Whitney’s again.

  “Is that what you want?” he asked.

  What I wanted was for Ivy to be telling me the truth, to know with certainty that she could break this bond, that she really was going to protect me and not try to harm anyone I cared about.

  “Tuesday after school is fine,” I said, because I knew if I tried to go to Whitney’s tomorrow, Abby would want to go, too, and how could I explain that she couldn’t?

  Ahead of us, Abby pulled into the parking lot of a large diner. Trent followed and parked next to her car. Luke was right behind us.

  “What’s your favorite non-breakfast food?” Trent asked.

  “Pizza,” I said. “With extra cheese.” I unhooked my seat belt. “What’s yours? And you can’t say blood.”

  “Mashed potatoes. With lots of butter.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “What did you think I was going to say?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Pasta, maybe. Or some type of meat.”

  With a grin, he got out of the car, and I did the same. Fingers interlocked, we walked into the diner with our friends and were quickly seated at a circular booth in the corner. I slid across the seat, and Trent sat next to me. Isach and Abby were seated on my side, while Whitney and Luke were on Trent’s side.

  I put my hand on Trent’s leg under the table and rested my head on his shoulder. He put his hand over mine, and silence fell over the table as we each looked over the menu. After placing our orders, everyone started talking at once about the movie. I mostly listened, content to just feel Trent next to me.

  “That ending was terrible,” Luke complained. “It just… ended.”

  “That’s called an open ending,” Isach said. “You’re supposed to make up your own mind about what happens.”

  “It’s dumb,” Luke said.

  “I agree,” I said with a nod. “I can’t stand endings like that.”

  “Same.” Whitney tossed her hair over her shoulder. “It was stupid.”

  “Well, what do you think happened to the guy?” Isach asked, hands folded on the table.

  “He died.” Whitney shrugged.

  “I don’t think so,” Abby said, leaning forward. “I think he’s still alive. There’s going to be a sequel.”

  “Ugh,” Isach groaned. “Sequels are the worst.”

  “Not all of them,” Trent said, stroking the back of my hand with his thumb, making me wish we were alone right now. “Some are better than the first movie.”

  “Know what I really can’t stand? Remakes,” Luke said, his eyes animated.

  I never pegged him for such a movie buff, but clearly, he loved this stuff.

  A collective groan rippled around the table, all of us in agreement on that topic. Our food arrived, and conversation ceased as we dug in. Trent, of course, had ordered mashed potatoes, and the amount of butter he piled on them would have clogged any human’s arteries.

  He held a forkful out to me. “Want some?”

  “No.”

  “If you tell me you don’t like mashed potatoes, I’m not sure we can be together.” He winked.

  I laughed. “I like them, but I prefer gravy. Not butter.”

  He shoved the potatoes into his mouth and swallowed. “Gravy.” He grunted and shook his head as if I’d offended his sensibilities. But then he kissed my cheek, and I knew he was only teasing.

  “I don’t know if I should smile or puke watching you two,” Whitney said, a ghost of a smile on her face.

  “I think it’s totally sweet, and not at all gross, that they can’t stop touching each other,” Abby said. Everyone laughed.

  Scrunching up my face, I tossed my straw wrapper at her.

  By the time we left the diner, my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much. But as we neared Trent’s house, sadness settled over me. I was going to have to say goodbye to him for the night, and depending on how my talk went with Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean tomorrow, I might not see Trent again until Tuesday.

  He parked in his driveway, and we got out. I hugged him, and he buried his face against my neck, inhaling my scent.

  “I hate having to leave you,” I said, tightening my hold.

  “Soon enough, you won’t have to,” he whispered, and then he captured my lips in a long, deep kiss that stole my breath.

  “I love you,” I said when I broke away to get some air.

  Would I still have to do that when I was a vampire? Or would I be able to kiss him endlessly without ever running out of breath?

  “I love you, too.” And there was more conviction behind those words than I’d ever heard before.

  My heart swelled, and I worried it might rupture with all the emotions filling it. I glanced around to make sure no one else was around. They were all still sitting in their respective cars, probably just as reluctant to say goodbye.

  “We have to figure out how to break this bond so you can change me,” I said.

  And then I needed to figure out when I was going to let him claim me. Obviously, that wasn’t going to happen until after we had sex for the first time, but when would that happen? I really didn’t want my first time to be rushed or happen someplace cheesy—like in his truck or something.

  Ugh. I needed to stop obsessing about this. Planning when and where I’d give up my virginity was the most un-romantic thing ever. When it happened, it happened. As long as it happened with Trent, nothing else mattered.

  Of course, none of that would happen if I couldn’t get rid of this bond. And the only way to get rid of it was to convince Trent to talk to Ivy.

  “We will.” He kissed my forehead. “I promise.” He kissed each of my cheeks, then my lips.

  “You do still want me to change, right?” My voice wavered.

  He pulled back and gazed into my eyes. “Are you kidding me? If I had my way, I would’ve changed you last night.”

  I sighed, relief flooding my senses. For so long, I’d fought against this, determined to remain human. But now that I’d made up my mind and committed myself so fully to Trent, I didn’t want to wait any longer than necessary.

  I was going to do whatever it took to make this happen for us.

  CHAPTER EIGHT:

  Boyfriends

  WHITNEY LEFT EARLY THE FOLLOWING DAY, claiming she had homework, but Abby and I knew she was going to meet Luke. They’d officially become a couple last night, and she hadn’t stopped talking about him.

  I’d seriously considered begging Aunt Beth to let me go home with Whitney, but there was no reasonable explanation as to why—and I couldn’t tell her it was because I wanted to see my boyfriend.

  “I made homemade chicken soup if you girls are hungry,” Aunt Beth said, peeking her head into Abby’s room where we were currently sprawled out on her bed.

  “How’s Dad feeling?” Abby asked.

  “Better. He’s up and eating today
.” Aunt Beth smiled, then disappeared back downstairs.

  “C’mon.” I stood. “Let’s go eat.”

  We walked into the dining room to find them seated at the table. Uncle Dean was pale, but at least he was out of bed. His hair was messy, and he wore a robe that was pulled tightly around his large body.

  I sat and scooped soup into a bowl. Blowing on it, I spooned some into my mouth. The broth was steaming hot and somewhat bland, but the chicken had a touch of garlic flavoring.

  “So, I have a boyfriend,” I blurted before I lost my nerve.

  Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean turned to stare at me.

  “His name is Trent Halstead,” I continued. “And I want you to meet him.”

  “Okay, slow down.” Uncle Dean held up his hand. “Is that the boy who took you to the dance?”

  I shook my head. “That was Isach.”

  “He’s my boyfriend now,” Abby said cheerfully, bouncing in her seat.

  Aunt Beth blinked, obviously confused. “What happened to Wyatt?”

  “We broke up.” Abby served herself some soup. “We were only hanging out anyway. It wasn’t anything serious.”

  Shaking her head, Aunt Beth said, “Teenagers these days. Switching boyfriends like underwear.”

  I scrunched up my face. “Isach was never my boyfriend. We went to the dance as friends because Trent couldn’t go.”

  “Yeah, Mom, don’t make a big deal over this, okay?” Abby said.

  “If you say so.” Aunt Beth sighed. “So, this Trent boy. How long have you been seeing him?”

  I shifted in my chair. “Since I got back from California.”

  “And you’re just telling us about him now?” Uncle Dean asked. His usual deep, commanding baritone was low and weak. “Why?”

  “Because I didn’t know if it was serious or not, and now I know, so I want you to meet him.” I took another bite of soup, needing a distraction from their probing gazes.

  If my dad could accept Trent, then there was no reason Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean couldn’t, too. I wouldn’t hesitate to call Dad, either, and beg him to talk to my aunt and uncle if they decided to be unreasonable about this.

  “So, it’s serious?” Aunt Beth asked.

  “Yes, it’s serious.” I fought to keep my voice from cracking.

  I needed them to know that Trent was a part of my life, and he wasn’t going anywhere. While I desperately wanted their approval, not getting it wouldn’t change things.

  “How serious?” Uncle Dean pushed his bowl away and leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

  I glanced at Abby for help, but she had her head down, suddenly very interested in her soup. “Well.” I took a deep breath. “He gave me a promise ring.” I held up my hand to show them.

  Aunt Beth took hold of my hand and studied the ring. “Pretty,” she said. “He’s got good taste.”

  Not quite the reaction I’d been expecting, but it was better than her yelling at me. “Thank you.” I pulled my hand back and risked a glance at Uncle Dean.

  He did not look happy, but I couldn’t tell if that was because of what I’d just told him, or because he was sick. I hoped it was the latter.

  “Bring him by after school tomorrow,” Uncle Dean said.

  Tomorrow? My heart sank. I really wanted to see Trent today, but I didn’t want to push my luck with Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean. So far, they hadn’t freaked out, and I wanted to keep it that way.

  “Okay, I’ll let him know,” I said.

  That meant we’d have to wait to tell everyone about Ivy. I hated to put it off any longer, but what else was I supposed to do? It wasn’t like I could explain everything to my aunt and uncle. Maybe Trent and I could warn everyone during lunch tomorrow.

  “And you”—Uncle Dean pointed at Abby—“bring Isach over, too, so I can meet him again.”

  Abby’s head snapped up, eyes wide, and then she glared at me as if this were somehow my fault. “Uh, yeah, okay,” Abby said.

  I bit back a smile. At least we were now in this together, and all the focus wouldn’t be on Trent.

  Uncle Dean left the dining room, muttering under his breath about “kids” and “teenagers” and “boyfriends” and us “being the death of him.”

  We finished eating, and after helping Aunt Beth pick up, I helped Abby clean her room, which we’d trashed last night. There were blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, food wrappers, and empty bottles everywhere.

  “I cannot believe I have to bring Isach here tomorrow,” Abby grumbled as she shoved trash into an empty garbage bag. “I’m not even sure we’re actually a couple yet.”

  “Then why did you say anything?” I asked, laughing.

  She was worried for nothing, though. Isach would jump at the chance to come here and hang out with Abby, even if he had to meet her parents again.

  “I’m shocked Mom didn’t lose her mind over that ring.” Abby nodded at my hand.

  “Well, hopefully, after she meets Trent, she’ll see he’s a great guy and be okay with everything,” I said.

  Because if she wasn’t, or if for some reason she didn’t like Trent, being with him was going to get a lot more complicated. Once Abby’s room was somewhat clean—there were still clothes scattered everywhere—I headed to my room and sent Trent a message.

  Me: TALKED TO THEM. YOU HAVE TO COME OVER TOMORROW AFTER SCHOOL TO MEET THEM.

  Trent: I’LL BE THERE. HOW DID THEY TAKE IT?

  I lay on my back, legs bent, and held my phone in the air as I typed back a response.

  Me: OKAY. AUNT BETH SAID MY RING WAS PRETTY AND THAT YOU HAVE GOOD TASTE. LOL. UNCLE DEAN DIDN’T SAY MUCH. BUT I TOLD THEM THINGS ARE SERIOUS BETWEEN US.

  Trent: GOOD. THANK YOU FOR TELLING THEM.

  Me: I MISS YOU.

  TRENT: NOT AS MUCH AS I MISS YOU.

  Me: LOL. THIS ISN’T A COMPETITION YOU KNOW.

  I yawned so hard my eyes watered. I was operating on less than four hours’ sleep, and not because of nightmares, but because I’d stayed up late with Abby and Whitney.

  Me: WE’LL HAVE TO WAIT TO TELL EVERYONE ABOUT IVY. UNLESS WE TALK DURING LUNCH TOMORROW.

  Trent: WE CAN DO THAT.

  Another yawn split my face, and then I groaned. I hated being this tired, especially when there were things I should be doing. Like homework. Or planning the details for my eventual change.

  Me: I’M EXHAUSTED. GONNA TAKE A NAP. I’LL TEXT YOU LATER.

  Trent: WISH I WAS THERE WITH YOU.

  Me: ME TOO! LOVE YOU. I added the emoji with the heart on its lips.

  Trent: LOVE YOU MORE.

  Smiling, I set my phone on my nightstand, curled up on my side, and closed my eyes, thoughts of Trent lulling me into a peaceful sleep.

  SOMETIME LATER, I AWOKE to Aunt Beth banging on my door. “Chloe, dinner’s ready.”

  I bolted upright, turned on my phone screen, and squinted at the time—6:15 PM. No way! I’d slept the entire day away, which meant I wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. That was just great, especially when I had school tomorrow.

  “Coming,” I said, forcing myself out of bed.

  My phone showed two missed calls from Trent and seven new messages. I wanted to answer them all right now, but doing so would probably upset Aunt Beth, so I resisted the urge and headed downstairs.

  Everyone else was already at the table, and I took my seat. Dinner was a quiet event tonight, and it was over quickly. As soon as I finished my chores, I raced back up to my room and snatched my phone.

  Trent: ARE YOU AWAKE YET?

  Trent: HELLO?

  Trent: YOU MUST STILL BE SLEEPING.

  Trent: WOW. YOU’RE REALLY TIRED, HUH?

  Trent: YOU CHANGED YOUR MIND, DIDN’T YOU? THAT’S WHY YOU’RE NOT ANSWERING ME. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE WITH ME BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO TELL ME. There was a winking emoji along with the one with its tongue sticking out.

  I laughed.

  Trent: I’M GOING CRAZY OVER HERE. I MISS YOU.

  Trent: OKAY, NOW I’M S
TARTING TO WORRY. PLEASE CALL ME.

  My fingers flew over the screen as I typed back a long message.

  Me: I’M HERE AND FINE. SLEPT ALL DAY, THEN HAD TO HAVE DINNER WITH THE FAM. AND NO, I HAVEN’T CHANGED MY MIND. I THINK *YOU* CHANGED YOUR MIND AND ARE PUTTING IT ON ME SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE BAD GUY.

  I stretched, changed into a pair of cotton pajama pants and a T-shirt, then lugged my backpack onto my desk. If I couldn’t sleep, I might as well do homework.

  Trent: DID YOU HAVE A NICE NAP?

  Me: YES, BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF YOU WERE NAPPING WITH ME.

  I sat in my desk chair, propped my feet on the end of my bed, and scrolled through my social media accounts, waiting for a reply from Trent, which came moments later.

  Trent: NAPS ARE ALWAYS BETTER WITH ME.

  Me: EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH YOU.

  Trent: I KNOW. HEY, GOTTA HELP DAD WITH SOMETHING. BE BACK SOON.

  I frowned and set my phone on the desk, and then I dug out the stack of homework I had for my Life Skills class—the class where I was supposed to be partners with Jax. What would happen now? Would Mr. Gordon expect me to do all the work on my own? Ugh. I’d have to talk to him tomorrow and find out what he wanted me to do.

  Setting that aside, I pulled out my math homework. By the time I finished, it was almost ten o’clock. I checked my phone… still no new messages from Trent. What was he doing? I sent him a quick text to check in.

  “Chloe.” Aunt Beth knocked on my door. “We’re headed to bed.”

  “Okay, good night,” I called and stood, needing to move around.

  I went to the bathroom, then wandered down to the kitchen for a drink. The house was peacefully silent. Was Abby sleeping, too? She’d been unusually quiet at dinner. Were there problems with her and Isach already? I never did ask her if she’d talked to him about coming over tomorrow.

  When I walked back into my room, my phone was buzzing on my desk, the screen lit up with Trent’s name. I snatched it and slid my finger across the screen to accept the call.

  “Hey,” I said, a smile splitting my face.

  “Where are you?” he asked.

  “Uh, in my room. Why?”

  “Open your window.”

  “What? Why? You’re being weird,” I said.