Eternal Love: (The Cursed Series, Book 4)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  I released Trent’s hand and wiped my palms on my jeans. I couldn’t believe we were right back where we were at the start of summer—fearful, confused, trying to figure out what Ivy was up to.

  “You know what this means, right?” Jax’s gaze landed on Trent’s. “Chloe needs to go into hiding again.”

  My eyes widened. “No. Absolutely not,” I said firmly. Folding my arms on the table, I leaned forward and lowered my voice. “Ivy already took me once and tried to force me to change. It didn’t work, so this time, she’s going to go after someone I care about.”

  I glanced over my shoulder at my friends, and my heart sank. The thought of any of them getting caught up in this made me sick to my stomach.

  “She knew we were coming,” Isach said, his voice detached. “The night my coven made a move, she was gone. Someone must have tipped her off.” He nailed Trent with an accusatory glare.

  “What’re you implying, Zoya?” Trent snarled.

  “Your father was adamant about warning her…” Isach shrugged.

  “Knock it off,” I said. “Sean gave you his word he wouldn’t tell her, and he didn’t. Neither did Trent or Jax.”

  Isach rolled his eyes, but he let it drop. He slouched back in his chair and crossed his arms, his posture mirroring Jax’s.

  “Chloe going into hiding isn’t an option,” Whitney said, giving me a sympathetic smile. “So, what do we do now?”

  Trent took my hand, laced our fingers, and kissed my knuckles, giving me a soft smile. “At this point, Ivy hasn’t tried anything, so we wait her out.”

  Wait her out? Was he insane? We needed to go talk to her.

  Jax muttered something under his breath, then stood and stormed out of the cafeteria.

  Without thinking, I chased after him. He was already halfway down the hall. “Jax!”

  In a flash, he was in front of me. I sucked in a sharp breath and took a step back. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on edge, and goose bumps erupted on my arms. I didn’t need to turn around to know Trent was close.

  “Wait her out?” Jax snapped. “How are you okay with that? She kidnapped you, Chloe. She threatened to kill your father and possibly your baby brother. She did try to kill me, remember?”

  “I know,” I said, my voice shaky with emotion.

  “Now that she knows we’re bonded, that I’m the only one who can change you, what do you think she’s going to do?”

  “I don’t know,” I whispered.

  And I didn’t really want to think about that, but I took a little comfort in knowing Ivy couldn’t kill Jax—he was now just as valuable to her as I was. But she could kill Trent, and I wouldn’t put that past her.

  “Then convince your boyfriend that the only logical thing to do is kill her.” Jax crossed his arms.

  I gasped. If we killed her, I lost the last shred of hope I had that she could break this bond. Killing her was a horrible idea, but I could understand why Jax suggested it—he’d ensure the bond was never broken, and everyone would be safe from Ivy.

  “We’re not killing anyone,” Trent said. He stood behind me, hands on my waist.

  I leaned against his chest, savoring the feel of him, his strong protective presence grounding me. Having him close helped keep the urges for Jax at bay. Maybe if Trent was around every time I was near Jax, I could actually fight this bond.

  “Chloe,” Jax pleaded.

  Hearing him say my name like that had me sucking in a sharp breath. Trent’s hands flexed against my waist, and his body stiffened.

  “You’re making a mistake,” Jax said, and then he stormed away.

  My shoulders slumped, and I rubbed my hands over my face. Was Jax right? Were we making a mistake not doing anything about Ivy? Not that I thought killing her was a good idea, but something needed to be done to ensure she didn’t hurt me or anyone else.

  Trent heaved a sigh, and I turned to face him.

  His expression was hard, but his eyes were conflicted with emotion. “Is that how this is going to be?” he asked. “Every time Jax disagrees with something and storms off, are you going to chase after him?” Trent frowned.

  “Look, I wasn’t the only one Ivy held prisoner, okay?” I said.

  “He willingly went with her,” Trent snapped.

  “Because of me!” I pointed at myself. “He went with her because of what I did, because I made a stupid decision. If it hadn’t been for me, he never would’ve been locked up.”

  “You feel guilty,” he said, tilting his head.

  “Of course I feel guilty.”

  The bell rang, and the hall filled with students. Trent and I continued to stare at each other, neither of us willing to break first. Running after Jax had hurt Trent, and that hadn’t been my intention, but I knew Jax was upset—he had every right to be. Our captor, his tormentor, had literally moved into town.

  “Hey, everything okay?” Whitney asked, her gaze darting between me and Trent.

  “Yeah, it’s fine,” I said.

  Turning away from Trent, I headed for my locker. My knees were weak, and my legs felt like jello. I knew telling everyone about Ivy’s return wasn’t going to be easy, and they weren’t going to be happy, but I hadn’t expected Jax to react with so much hostility.

  My hands shook as I tried to dial my combination. Frustrated, I rested my head on my locker and took several deep breaths, but my thoughts were a jumbled mess. Jax had only just gotten back, and I’d already screwed things up. And Ivy was still wreaking havoc on my life.

  A moment later, Trent’s arms slipped around my stomach, and he gently turned me to face him. Regret flashed in his eyes.

  “Did you run after him because you felt guilty about what happened and you were concerned? Or did you run after him because you couldn’t help yourself?” he asked.

  I sighed. “You weren’t there, Trent. You have no idea what it was like being locked up in that room. Jax is worried it could happen again. Just like I am.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I went after him because I felt guilty, and I was concerned. That’s the only reason. I promise.”

  Trent rested his forehead to mine, eyes closed. “I’m sorry for assuming it was something more.”

  He had a right to be worried, because I was still bonded to Jax, and until this bond was gone, I needed to be careful. And I needed to think before I acted, too.

  Trent captured my lips in a firm but sweet kiss, and I leaned into him, needing this physical reminder that he was here, that he was mine, and that we were okay.

  “I love you,” I muttered against his lips.

  He groaned. “God, I love hearing you say that.”

  And just like that, we were back to normal. I smiled. “So, are you ready to meet my aunt and uncle today?” I asked as I spun around and opened my locker.

  “Can’t wait,” he said.

  I rolled my eyes, but I was thrilled. Today was a step toward our future, toward a life I wanted more than anything else in the world. Gathering my stuff, I slammed my locker closed and turned back toward Trent. He took my hand, and we headed toward class.

  “You realize we’re going to have to talk about all of this again, right? We can’t just ignore the fact that Ivy’s in town,” I said. And when we did, I was going to do everything in my power to convince him to actually talk to Ivy, too.

  “I know. I’ll tell Sean about it tonight when I get home. If nothing else, he’ll be able to talk some sense into Jax.”

  “Thank you.” I gave him a quick kiss, then walked into my class.

  Isach was already seated, and when he saw me, he waved me over. I stopped near his desk and leaned over.

  “I didn’t realize the bond with Jax was so severe,” he said, his voice low. “But my offer stands. I’ll look the other way so you can do whatever you need to do.”

  I nodded. “Thanks.” I straightened, intent on going to my seat.

  “And Chloe?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Be safe. I’m not sure I can get
away with rescuing you again.” He smirked.

  I laughed and walked the few feet to my desk. I slid into my seat.

  Ellie arrived a moment later and sat next to me. “So, is ditching us during lunch going to be a normal thing now or…?” She laughed.

  “No. Promise.” I twisted to sit sideways in my chair so I could face her. “We need to hang out soon. Just the two of us. Maybe this weekend? We could have a sleepover,” I suggested.

  Her face brightened. “Yes.”

  I had no idea if Trent had any plans, but I wanted to see him this weekend, too. “Cool. I’ll talk to my aunt about it. I’m sure she won’t mind,” I said. In fact, she’d probably be thrilled I wasn’t going to Whitney’s again. “Your house or mine?” I asked.

  Doing a sleepover at my house meant Abby would be there, too, and that defeated the purpose of hanging out with just Ellie, but if that’s what she wanted to do, then I was game.

  “My house,” Ellie said. “If that’s okay. My parents are going to a couple’s retreat. It’s part of their marriage counseling.”

  “Oh.” My eyes widened. “I’m glad they’re still working on things.”

  “Me too.” She smiled. “So, we’ll have the house to ourselves.”

  “Perfect.”

  A sleepover at Ellie’s without any parents or vampires or witches sounded amazing right now, and I’d do whatever it took to convince Aunt Beth to let me go. Hopefully, she wouldn’t need to call Ellie’s parents or anything, because if she found out we’d be unsupervised, there was no way she’d let me go.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN:

  First Impressions

  AT THE END OF THE DAY, I headed home with Trent; Isach was with Abby, and for the first time all day, I started to relax. Trent would meet my aunt and uncle, they’d love him, and then we could get on with our lives as we’d planned. He parked in the driveway and killed the engine.

  “Ready for this?” I asked.

  He took my hand, lifted it to his mouth, and kissed my knuckles. “I’ve been ready.”

  We got out of the truck and followed Abby and Isach inside. Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean stood in the entryway, almost as if they’d been watching us from the window, eagerly awaiting our arrival.

  “You already met Isach,” Abby said, motioning toward him. “But here he is again.”

  Isach shook Uncle Dean’s hand, then Aunt Beth’s. “It’s nice to see you two again.”

  “Likewise,” Uncle Dean said. “Though, it’s a tad strange you’re with my daughter now, don’t you think?”

  “Dad!” Abby shrieked.

  Trent covered his laughter with a cough.

  “I’m sure Chloe told you we were just friends. I took her to the dance as a favor to my friend here.” Isach slapped Trent on the shoulder.

  I glanced at Abby, who looked as mortified as I was. I cleared my throat and glared at Isach, who, smartly, moved out of the way.

  “Uncle Dean, Aunt Beth, this is Trent,” I said.

  Trent shook Uncle Dean’s hand, maintaining eye contact the entire time. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He then took Aunt Beth’s hand and kissed the back of it.

  Aunt Beth gasped with surprise and placed her free hand over her heart. “Oh my.” She smiled, her cheeks pink. “You didn’t tell me he was so charming, Chloe. And cute.”

  “Aunt Beth!” I said, laughing with utter mortification.

  “Ew, Mom, gross,” Abby said, her face scrunched with disgust. “Why do you have to be so weird?”

  Isach chuckled, which earned him a smile from Abby.

  “Chloe has told me so much about both of you,” Trent said and finally released Aunt Beth’s hand.

  “I wish we could say the same, but we didn’t know anything about you until yesterday.” Uncle Dean crossed his arms and glanced back and forth between me and Trent. Then, Uncle Dean cocked his head ever so slightly. “Though, you do look very familiar.”

  I held my breath, fear squeezing my chest. Would Uncle Dean end up remembering Trent? What would we do if that happened?

  “I hear that a lot,” Trent said smoothly. “I guess I just have one of those faces.”

  “So, what are you kids planning to do today?” Aunt Beth asked, and I could’ve kissed her right then for taking the focus off Trent.

  “Me and Isach need to go to the library so we can work on an English paper. Is that okay?” Abby asked.

  Uncle Dean nodded. “Be home in time for dinner.”

  “Would you like to have dinner with us, Isach?” Aunt Beth asked.

  Isach nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”

  If only Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean knew who Trent and Isach really were and what they were both capable of. We’d be having a very different conversation right now.

  “And what about you, Trent?” Aunt Beth turned to him.

  “I’d like that very much. Thank you.” Trent took my hand. “If that’s okay with Chloe, of course.”

  “Uh…” He’d totally caught me off guard. “Yeah, of course.” Like I’d ever say no to spending time with him.

  “Great.” Aunt Beth clapped. “Dinner’s at six-thirty.” She turned on her heel and disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Are you two going to the library with them?” Uncle Dean asked.

  “No,” I said. “We were going to hang out here.”

  “Okay, we’re leaving,” Abby said. “We’ll be back by six-thirty.” She grabbed Isach’s arm and practically dragged him out of the house.

  Maybe we should have gone with them. We could’ve sat in Trent’s truck in the parking lot or something. That would have been better than whatever we’d be able to do here. But the point was for Trent to meet my aunt and uncle and for them to like him.

  “It’s a nice day. We’re going to sit outside on the porch swing.” I smiled at Uncle Dean. “If Aunt Beth needs help with dinner, let me know.”

  Uncle Dean nodded and smiled for the first time since we’d gotten home. That had to be a good sign.

  I led Trent outside and to the porch swing. I sat, but he didn’t. Instead, he inclined his head toward the house, and a slow smile spread across his face.

  “Are you listening to what they’re saying?” I asked

  “Shh.” He put his finger to his lips. “Your aunt loves me,” he said quietly.

  I rolled my eyes. “Of course she does. You were practically flirting with her.”

  Trent laughed. “Your uncle thinks I’m polite.” He paused. “He’s impressed with how I took your feelings into consideration about staying for dinner.”

  I grabbed Trent’s hand and yanked him onto the swing. “Stop eavesdropping. It’s rude.”

  “Oh, come on. You can’t tell me you don’t want to know what they think.” He raised a brow, challenging me to disagree.

  Sighing, I rested my head on his shoulder. “You did make a decent first impression.”

  “Decent?” He sounded mildly offended. “I was fantastic.” He draped his arm around my shoulders. “I’ll be a part of this family by the end of dinner.”

  I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile. “Just go easy on Aunt Beth, okay? I don’t want to have to fight her for you.”

  Lifting my chin, he gazed into my eyes. “There will never be anyone but you.” He brushed his lips over mine, and my eyes fluttered closed. “But it’s nice to know you’d fight for me.”

  “Shut up and kiss me,” I said breathlessly.

  “I like it when you’re bossy,” he said, his lips tickling mine as he spoke.

  And then he kissed me, his motions tender and lazy, and I was completely swept away by him. It was so easy to drown in him. Painless. Pleasant, even.

  “I think I need to spend the night with Whitney this weekend,” I mumbled, reluctant to leave the comfort of his kiss. I could spend Friday with her and Saturday with Ellie.

  “Mmm. I think that’s a good idea.” He eased back, his eyes dark with need.

  Desire shot through me, and I fantasized about climbing on
to his lap, removing his shirt, running my hands over his chest, and kissing him until neither of us could stand it a moment longer.

  “Chloe?”

  “Huh? What?” I shook my head to clear my thoughts. “Sorry. What did you say?”

  Trent narrowed his eyes, his expression curious and cautious. “I asked how you’re doing knowing my brother is back.”

  “I’m fine,” I said curtly.

  “You don’t sound fine.”

  I hung my head. I hated that I was bonded to Jax, and I hated it even more knowing how much it hurt Trent. “What do you want me to say? We both know what happens when I’m around him,” I said.

  “Was he right about what he said this morning? Is your bond with him too strong?”

  “No,” I whispered, but there was no conviction in my tone.

  Trent stood and paced to the opposite end of the porch, and the sight of him walking away from me like that had pain tightening in my chest. With a sigh, I followed and wrapped my arms around his stomach, resting my face against his back.

  I may still be bonded to Jax, but I’d fought that bond once and had chosen Trent. I could do it again and again and again until it was no longer an issue. Or until I found a way to permanently break it.

  “Tell me how I can help,” he said, twisting around to face me. “What can I do to make it so this bond doesn’t drive you crazy?”

  Wrapping my arms around him, I squeezed. “I don’t think about him when I’m with you, and the urges aren’t as strong when you’re around.”

  “Then I’ll be around all the time.” He sounded a little too happy about that solution, and I couldn’t deny I was, too.

  “But I want to break the bond completely. I have to.” Desperation filled my tone. “Can we please talk to Ivy?”

  Trent released me and rubbed the back of his neck. “Why? So she can tell us what we already know? That she was lying? That there’s no way to break the bond?”

  “You don’t know that.” I crossed my arms.

  “Yes, I do,” he said, pinning me with a hard stare. “Believe me, I want this bond gone, too, probably a lot more than you do. But I don’t want to get our hopes up. I’m not sure either of us can handle that.”