Letting Go (Another Falls Creek Romance Book 3)

by SF Benson

  “Yeah.” Once again, Samson came to the rescue. He knew the right place to call. “The limo will pick Antoinette up at six o’clock tomorrow night.”

  “Perfect.” Victor’s head lifts as the owner comes out with a few boxes of shoes. “Let’s get this wrapped up. Samson’s covering for you at the Club tonight.”

  “Why?”

  Victor answers with a brief laugh. “We’re hanging out. You, me, and Brady. We’re going to put you in the right mood for tomorrow.”

  Lowering my head, slowly I move it from side to side. What have I gotten myself into?

  Antoinette

  Kelsie arrived at my parents’ house an hour ago. A pretty brown-skinned woman came along. It turns out she’s a wolf shifter and the leader of her own pack. The three of us sit around my bedroom—me in the wheelchair, Kelsie in the chair, and Audra sprawled over my bed doing a manicure. The last girl’s night out I had was with Abby and Marie. After the accident, I assumed I’d never enjoy another one. Hanging out with supernaturals should be odd, but surprisingly it’s the same thing—gossip, laughter, food, and alcohol courtesy of the wolf. She brought a couple of bottles of white wine along with something called Country Blends. Audra said it’s a special brew for Kelsie.

  Painting her fingernails a deep shade of plum, Audra says, “Call me nosy if you want, but one of y’all needs to fill me on this whole date-night thing.”

  “You do understand what a date is?” Kelsie asks, flipping through a magazine. “Or has it been that long since Brady took you out?”

  A deep growl comes from the wolf. Kelsie hisses. Tiny fangs are visible. The last thing I need to witness is a fight between species. “Ladies,” I start and quickly wonder if it’s an appropriate term. “Play nicely.”

  I’m hit with a pair of glowing amber eyes. Kelsie’s gaze darkens. My throat thickens and swallowing is difficult. A minute passes before Audra looks away.

  She remarks, “What makes a bitter ass spirit like Marcus Uraeleus suddenly want to buy a house, get a job, and go on a date? Seriously, he’s changed.”

  The females glance at me as if I hold the answer. All I can do is hunch my shoulders.

  Kelsie puts down the latest gossip rag. “Victor told me it’s all because of the accident. Saving Antoinette did something to him.”

  “I’ll say.” Audra closes the bottle of polish. “The very fact he’s human again is major.”

  “Why?” I ask.

  Audra blows on her nails for a minute before continuing. “According to Brady, Marc asked to be human because of you. Something about protecting you.”

  “Audra…”

  Another heated exchange passes between the wolf and the hybrid before Kelsie adds, “What Audra failed to say is Marcus wanted to make sure you had every chance to fight for life. He didn’t want to see you die.”

  An explanation isn’t necessary. “Cherina said we were linked somehow. If I die, so does he. Marc was simply trying to prolong his life.”

  “Not true,” Kelsie says. “Marc didn’t know about the connection between you until recently. His request was only about keeping you alive. If Marc only wanted to prolong his life, he would have never asked Victor to purchase a house for him.”

  I never considered that.

  Audra inclines her head. “Remember, Marc is doing a great job at the Temptation Club. He’s doing good things in town for our community. Which brings me back to my original question. What makes you so special?”

  Not really what she asked earlier, but it was implied.

  “I’m not. There’s nothing special about me at all.” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, especially since I can’t find an explanation for the rapid influx of feelings I get every time Marc is near.

  Kelsie waves her hand in the air, dismissing my comment. “You’re very special to Marc. I suspect he’s finally discovered love.”

  Love? Me? Is it possible?

  Six o’clock the next night

  Uraeleus

  I’m on edge as the driver pulls up to the curb. My muscles won’t stop quivering, and my mouth is as dry as the Sahara. Now I know what Maximus, my brother, felt while waiting on the birth of his child. Nerves wrecked, heart palpitating… It might have helped if I’d slept last night. Victor and Brady tried their best to help me relax, but they were as bad as gladiators after a victory plying me with alcohol. I woke up this morning in the same spot I passed out in.

  Walking up to the door, I imagine every possible scenario from Antoinette changing her mind to her being happy to go out with me. I wiggle a finger beneath the tie tightening like a noose around my neck while the shiny, black shoes pinch the hell out of my toes. What on earth was I thinking?

  Matt, Antoinette’s father, opens the door before I knock on it.

  “Marc, come in.”

  Stepping over the threshold, I say, “It’s nice to see you again.”

  The man runs a hand through his hair and points to the sofa. “Let’s have a chat before you leave.”

  A knot forms in my stomach as I lower myself to the cushion. Commonsense tells me he wants to talk about the incident at the hospital. “Sir—” Odd addressing him as sir when I’m the elder in this room.

  “Let me say what I need to say.” He grips the back of a chair but doesn’t sit down. “The stunt you pulled at the hospital hurt my daughter.”

  I open my mouth to speak, but the stern expression on Matt’s face freezes the thought.

  “Marc, I don’t approve of this date. If it were up to me, you’d never see Antoinette again. Her mother convinced me to give you another chance. Screw it up…”

  There’s a lump in my throat. For the first time ever, I’m ashamed of my actions. I don’t lift my head when I glance up at Antoinette’s father. “I promise I won’t. Trust me, what you saw will never happen again.”

  “It better not.”

  Before either of us could speak again, Antoinette wheels into the room. Glancing up, I’m entranced. She’s absolutely beautiful in a sparkling black dress. Antoinette’s wavy hair hangs over her bare shoulders. But what’s most captivating is the twinkle in her eyes. My doing, I hope. I also hope it’s not the last time I see it tonight.

  While the driver puts the wheelchair in the trunk, I duck into the backseat beside Antoinette. Glancing out the window, I see her parents waving goodbye, but her father’s words follow me like an uninvited passenger.

  “You look beautiful,” I tell my date.

  Her lips lift as she says, “You clean up well yourself. Are you going to tell me where we’re headed?”

  “There’s a special performance at the Palladium tonight. I thought you might like to see it.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  “You’ll see soon enough.”

  The limo driver comes around to the door. “If you wait a moment, I’ll get the chair.”

  “No need,” I tell him. “I’ll carry her in.”

  Antoinette touches my forearm. “You don’t have to do that. It’s easier—”

  “Don’t be silly. I have no problem carrying you.” Truth is, I’m dying to have her in my arms again.

  Once inside the auditorium, I settle Antoinette in a front row seat. The house lights lower, and Cherina steps onto the stage, carrying a microphone.

  “Antoinette, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for accepting the invite. I wasn’t very nice to you in the beginning, and again, I’m sorry for that. When Marcus wanted to plan a special night for you, I arranged this performance as an apology to you. I hope you enjoy it.” My friend walks off the stage, and the music begins.

  When Antoinette hears the first notes, a smile spreads across her face. She turns to me. “Swan Lake. How did you know?”

  “I took a guess.”

  She squeezes my hand. “Thank you so much.”

  The twinkle grows in her eye.

  I can’t wait to see what other surprises are in store tonight.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

 
Uraeleus

  Deep in the wooded area of Crucifix Island is a sight to behold. Sparkling lights come together in a pinnacle high up into the sky—a stunning replica of the Eiffel Tower. A body of water stretches in front of us. Beside it is a white, linen-covered table with candles. Soft music fills the air. It’s breathtakingly perfect.

  The expression on Antoinette’s face warms my heart. During the performance of Swan Lake, a smile captured her lips, and it has gotten wider while the light shining in her eyes outshines those surrounding us.

  “How did you do this?” Antoinette asks, sitting across from me.

  “I had help from a few friends.” The realization there are individuals who care about me is a little unnerving. Amazing that I had to die and be resurrected in order to appreciate life.

  “This is too much.”

  A frown crosses my face.

  Antoinette rushes to say, “In a good way.”

  “I’m glad.” My shoulders relax. “I was afraid I wouldn’t please you.”

  Antoinette unfolds her napkin and places it in her lap. “Can I ask why?”

  Words don’t begin to describe how this woman feels. Her concern crawls toward me. It’s time for me to be honest. “Because I owed you a sincere apology.” Reaching across the table, I grasp her hand. “You need to know it was never my intention to hurt you. I care too much to ever harm you, Antonia.”

  The woman in front of me blushes deeply. “You shouldn’t waste your time on someone like me—a cripple.”

  “You’re not crippled.” It’s maddening how she keeps fighting this attraction between us. Fighting me. “Antonia, you have become my reason to live.”

  “Because of the bond we share,” she points out.

  “No. Because I…” What if I tell her how I feel and she doesn’t accept me? It’s a chance I have to take. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Antonia.”

  She pulls her hand from mine. “You don’t know me, Marc. It takes time—”

  “Do you feel nothing for me?”

  “I…I…” She drops her head. “Yes. I do, but it can’t be real.”

  “Why not? I only existed in this world before you. It wasn’t until I heard your soul cry out that I wanted more than an empty experience. When I held your heart in the palm of my hand, I knew what devotion meant. When I feel your pain and experience your anguish… Everything about you is a part of me. I don’t want to spend a day without you, Antonia. I’m certain of my love for you.”

  Antoinette lifts her eyes. “But you’re not real.”

  Standing, I walk around to her and kneel. “Touch me and know I’m real.” Slowly, she places her palm on my cheek. I cover her hand with my own. “Real. And what I feel for you is real as well.”

  “Marc—”

  “Excuse me.”

  Antoinette and I look toward the familiar voice.

  Cherina steps out of the shadows. “Sorry for the interruption, but there’s someone waiting to see you, Marcus.”

  “Now?” I ask incredulously.

  My friend casts a mischievous glance my way. “It won’t take long. I’ll sit with Antoinette.”

  The tension has returned to my shoulders. Slowly, I rise from the ground. Being away from this woman isn’t something I want, but something tells me to get it over and done with. “I’ll be back.”

  In the distance stands a tall figure. As I approach I see it’s a man, or at least what appears to be one. When I realize what’s before me, my feet freeze. An aura of pure white light surrounds the being. He shouldn’t be here. What the hell does he want with me?

  The angel walks towards me. “Marcus Antonius Uraeleus, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  Squinting against the blinding light, I say, “Care to turn it down some?”

  “Sorry about that,” he says as the brightness dims.

  Without the glare, I notice his chiseled features, his full lips, and the suit—the uniform of Celestials. What did I do to bring the angel Daniel to Earth?

  “We’ve noticed you, Marcus?” the angel announces, his voice striking like a rich aria.

  Impatiently, I say, “So?”

  “Relax. I’m not here to condemn you. Walk with me for a moment.”

  If it will get me back to Antoinette sooner, I’ll oblige this member of the Realm. I fall into step beside him as we walk along the path. “Why are you here?”

  “To give you something you deserve.” The angel’s calm demeanor gives nothing away. “We are well aware of your past, and how you’ve changed.”

  The Mohawk River stretches in front of us. I stop walking and face the heavenly being. “Can you make this short? What is it you think I deserve?”

  Daniel touches my shoulder. “You went out of your way to save a human life and give her a second chance to experience happiness. We are impressed.”

  “I didn’t do it to impress anyone.” Scowling, I step out of his grasp. “Antoinette is a good person. She deserves more than death can give.”

  “True. In doing so, however, you gave her something you never had.” Daniel lowers his chin and gazes into my eyes. “No one ever cared enough to offer you redemption.”

  Understatement. “Well, I can’t live in the past.”

  “No, but you can live now in this town you care about.”

  Shaking my head vehemently, I refute his assessment. “You got it wrong. I don’t give a shit about this place.”

  “Marcus, if you didn’t care, you wouldn’t have gone through the effort of replacing Luc Duquette with Council.”

  My head rocks back. “How did you…?”

  “Nothing in this world goes unnoticed by the Realm. Your willingness to let someone else assume leadership moved us. It seems your selfish nature has taken a backseat.”

  “Listen Daniel, I’m not trying to be rude, but I’d like to get back to Antoinette. I’m not sure how much time—”

  “You have plenty of time,” Daniel announces with a smile. “This is why I wanted to speak with you. Your lifeline has been restored, Marcus. You have your second chance at life.”

  His words baffle me. Can it be true? “Wait. What about my age?”

  “We’ve shaved off the years. You’re now a twenty-five-year-old man.” Daniel turns from me and starts walking away, the light growing strong again. Over his shoulder he throws, “Keep up the good work.”

  “Congratulations,” Cherina says.

  I whirl around. “Who’s with Antoinette?”

  “She’s fine. I’m glad you finally met Daniel.” Cherina’s lips curl up.

  My gaze narrows, and then reality hits me. Those times when Cherina would disappear for days. “That’s why…. How does that work out?”

  Her shoulders slump. “It works because we’re both Guardians. The witch you knew as Cherina left this world years ago. Her only request before she passed was that someone watch over you.”

  “You’re a guardian angel?”

  “Yes, but I was allowed to harness Cherina’s powers for good.”

  Divine deception at its finest. “How long?”

  “Cherina only lived a year after the two of you met. I’m the one you formed a friendship with.”

  Wow. The things I didn’t know. Rubbing the back of my neck, I ask, “What’s your real name?”

  “Neriah.” She moves closer. “I apologize for the deception, but I fulfilled her dying request. The witch only practiced good and deserved to have her wish honored.”

  “Does Elsbeth know?”

  “No one here knows. It’s possible for angels to glamour themselves beyond even a witch’s knowledge. Go back to your date.” She pauses for a moment. “I’m glad you were granted a second life. You deserve it.”

  The angel’s confession confuses me. “Why did you give Antoinette such a hard time about seeing me?”

  “Because the two of you go against what’s natural. Allowing your relationship risked the balance between worlds. It might still be risking it, but I sense that she genuinely c
ares for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Walking back to where Antoinette sits, I think over what just occurred—regaining my humanity and learning the truth about my friend. What’s next?

  “Took you long enough.”

  My eyes lift, and I see Antoinette. “Sorry. Cherina wanted me to meet someone.”

  “It’s okay. She said you were getting a second chance at life.”

  “Yeah. No more spirit world for me.” I resume my position at her side. “Antonia, I realize you have doubts. Doubts about me, about us. But I’m asking you to trust me and come home with me tonight. I don’t want to spend another day without you.”

  Antoinette bites at her lip. “What about my rehab?”

  “Everything you’ll need...” Her palpable fear cuts off my words. I grip the side of the table to steady myself. Antoinette clings to the overwhelming belief that she can’t be loved. That I couldn’t love her simply because she’s in a wheelchair. She needs assurance. “I promise you, I won’t rush anything. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

  Antoinette touches my cheek. “What if I never walk again?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Her inability is holding her back, but it doesn’t matter to me. It never will. “I’ll love you anyway.”

  EPILOGUE

  Uraeleus

  Six months later…

  Life.

  Not a word I would have uttered six months ago, but nowadays I say it regularly.

  My life has changed tremendously since that night on Crucifix Island. The biggest transformation came the day I moved Antoinette’s belongings into our house. Because we’re taking things slowly, Antoinette sleeps in a converted room on the main floor while we discover each other. For me, my love and affection grows each day. Sadly, I don’t believe that’s the case for Antoinette.

  At my wits’ end, I pay a visit to Neriah.

  “What brings you by, Marcus?” The Celestial places a cup of tea in front of me.

  “I’m baffled by Antonia. My love for her grows stronger daily, but it’s not reciprocated,” I complain.