Fate Forgotten

by J. L. Sheppard

  I should’ve died with them, with my family! She clutched her chest, that emptiness filling with agony.

  “You lived for a purpose. Don’t let this tragedy determine the rest of your life.”

  Her grief spilled out of her. She sobbed loudly, not caring who heard, who witnessed.

  The angel took a step in her direction. Before she could move away, he placed his hand over her head. “Rest now.”

  Her lids heavy, she grew weak. When darkness claimed her, she welcomed it. The pain finally faded.

  Chapter 4

  Jacob watched. Sometimes, it seemed like that’s all he did—watch Annie. Right then, he watched her play with the dolls Jenna bought her. Sensing no grief in her, he sighed.

  It had been three days since her life turned upside down. Every night, she awoke in tears, burdened with reality—her parents were gone. Her sorrow wedged deep inside him, superseding his own.

  Her grief was natural. He just wished there was more he could do to console her. He wanted to erase her pain, so for the first time in his life, he found himself wishing he wasn’t a demon, but an angel, who he’d seen had the power to do so. Bearing the pain for her was the least he could do, and yet, he didn’t have the power to do that either.

  He hadn’t grieved. All he did—worry about Annie. The reason he watched her so closely. He worried how much she grieved, worried whether the simplest decisions he made were the right ones. Constantly, he wondered whether his sister would have made the same ones. He wanted to honor her memory by raising Annie like she would have, but he would never know.

  His biggest fear: the thought Annie would become like him—a fraction of the person he’d once been because of loss. He hoped, despite the odds, he could teach her to move forward, look past what happened even if he never had.

  Ashley sat beside him, interrupting his disheartening thoughts. “Hi.”

  “Hey.”

  “I see she’s enjoying her new toys.”

  “Yeah, she is.”

  She folded her hands into each other. “Can I tell you something without you taking offense?”

  He nodded, wondering how she could say anything to offend him. Anyone else, he’d probably bite their head off, but not Ashley. She was timid, sweet, and his friend.

  “I think you should try to bring some of her stuff from home just to provide some familiarity. I think it could help her adjust better. I mean…what she’s been through…the change would be difficult for any child. If she had something to remind her of the life she had before…especially pictures…”

  Originally, he’d thought it better to start fresh with no reminders of the past, but Ashley had a point. His niece would remember regardless. There were things she needed to remember, especially the fact she had loving parents, who’d never wanted to leave her.

  He nodded.

  Ashley placed her hand on his shoulder. “You’re doing a great job, Jake.”

  He released a breath in frustration. If he’d been doing a good job, he would have thought of her suggestion first. He was way out of his league, a man with one foot off a ledge, but he wouldn’t give his niece up—never. The blood that ran through him coursed through her, too. The only remaining reminder he’d once had a vivacious and curious sister. If it meant tearing himself in half, he’d learn to raise her daughter, his precious niece. He had faith, only in that.

  “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

  “It doesn’t look like it, Jake—not to me or Clyde or Jenna or anyone else…and no parent knows what they’re doing the first time around.”

  A parent—exactly what he was, yet the word had never crossed his mind. Maybe because he didn’t want to admit what the word implied, his niece’s parents were gone. About time he did. He needed to come to terms with the fact his sister wasn’t coming back, so he could move on and help Annie do the same.

  ****

  It had been days since Val’s life changed forever.

  The deep gash on her leg, numerous bumps, bruises, and a series of smaller cuts had healed. As a witch, her skin was tougher, stronger than a mortal’s and healed quicker, too, though not as quickly as other immortal breeds. She could’ve concocted a potion to heal just as fast, but she didn’t have the will.

  A deep and searing pain too terrifying to seem real clung to her. She lost everyone she’d ever loved—her family, her coven—the sisters who’d raised her. Nothing she could do to erase the ache.

  She slept and slept. When she woke, she tortured herself remembering the last moments she’d shared with them. Her gift of foresight had failed her at the moment she’d needed it the most. And so, she’d lost her faith in magic and especially, in herself.

  What would she do now? Where would she go?

  “Valerie.”

  She shifted her attention away from her depressing thoughts and met Clyde’s stare.

  “I brought someone to meet you.” He stood aside allowing a petite brunette resembling Ashley to step forward.

  “Hi, I’m Jenna, Ashley’s sister.” She neared. Her hand went to her chest. “I’m very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

  “Thank you…and thank you for letting me stay here. Ashley told me this is your home.”

  Ashley, at her side for days, brought her breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and often sat by her and talked, sharing all sorts of things about her own sisters and her mate.

  Valerie listened half-heartedly, grateful for the genuine concern and attempt to get her mind off her grief. At times, it proved a great distraction. Other times, it reminded her of the family she had and lost.

  “You’re more than welcome to stay here, Valerie.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’ll leave—”

  “I wouldn’t recommend it,” Clyde interrupted. “You were spared for a reason. You have a gift not many witches possess—foresight. It’s the reason the Malums targeted your coven.”

  “But…I could’ve been killed. I—”

  “Your home was protected with spells. Those powerful spells wouldn’t have allowed anyone to enter who meant any of you harm. It’s why they used explosives. If they’d wanted to kill all of you, they would have blown up the entire house.” He paused. “I believe, as do the other Guardians, the Malums’ intent was to kill off your coven so you’d inherit their abilities. Then they’d take you, a witch with the combined strength of eleven and the gift of not only psyche-sight, but foresight.”

  “But they didn’t need to…to do that. They could’ve gone after me when I wasn’t home.”

  “You rarely leave.”

  A fact: she’d rather read indoors than do anything else. Her sisters often teased her about it. Hearing it now, a brutal, stark reminder they’d never tease her again.

  Her eyes narrowed. “How do you know?”

  He cleared his throat. “I’m an angel.”

  Then it occurred to her. This was her fault. Because she never left her house, they had no choice but to kill her sisters.

  Her heart squeezed painfully, making tears well in her eyes. She didn’t even try to hide it.

  “You can’t think that way.”

  Her gaze shot to Clyde, the angel, who, she realized, could read her thoughts.

  “Your mind.”

  Same difference.

  “No. Reading thoughts is just that. Reading your mind is a little more. I know everything that’s ever happened to you. Everything you’ve ever said, done, thought with just one glimpse.”

  Crap. Now, he knew more about her than anyone else?

  “Technically, I know more about you than you know about yourself. Beings, immortal and mortal, have a tendency to hide truths from themselves.”

  Annoyed with their one-sided conversation, she snapped, “Can you stop that?”

  When she regained her composure, she insisted, “I could’ve been killed with the explosions.”

  “There’s something else.” He paused. “When we found you, a spell guarded you.”
>
  Tears in her eyes fell down her cheeks. She had been right. Her family died because of her, and even so, they’d protected her with their dying breaths.

  “No, you aren’t to blame, Valerie. You couldn’t have changed it. If you want to blame someone, blame the Malums.”

  Not a comforting thought, but it wasn’t Clyde’s fault. She hated Malums for destroying everyone she’d ever loved, but hate wouldn’t bring them back. And nothing anyone said would either. More tears fell without a single sound before she turned away and buried her face in a pillow.

  She felt the presence of Jenna drawing near, then felt the warmth of her touch on her shoulder. “Valerie, you shouldn’t do this to yourself. Your coven wouldn’t want you to suffer like you are.”

  “I k-know…” Her voice broke. “I know I have to move on, but I-I don’t know how.”

  “We can help you. We’ll take it day by day. The first step is getting out of this room.”

  “I…know, but today I-I…” A sob tore from her throat. “I…c-can’t…maybe tomorrow.”

  Jenna nodded, and then they left.

  ****

  The next morning, the ache of her loss and grief still dogged her. Despite it, Valerie knew the time had come, now or never. It had been days since she’d done anything but mope. She had to move on with her life, and, as Jenna said, the first step was getting out of bed. Reluctantly, she did. She showered and dressed, wearing borrowed clothes, then headed into the elevator and toward the kitchen for breakfast. Among the many things Ashley talked about was the layout of the fifteen-story building where she stayed, so she knew where to find the kitchen and dining room. As the doors parted, she scanned the area. Barren, she strode toward large double doors, briefly wondering where everyone was.

  Past the doors, a chef’s dream kitchen with dark wood cabinets, an island, marble countertops, two gas stoves, two ovens, industrial-sized refrigerator, and another set of double doors at the end. Still, the room was empty of life.

  The elevator doors parted. An unmistakable air of animosity swirled, unlike anything she’d ever felt before. The anger weaved into her, making her flinch with its power and strength. A chill shot through her. She fisted her clammy hands, fighting the urge to squirm, trying to convince herself she had nothing to fear. The Guardians had saved her, taken her to their safe house. No one would hurt her, not there.

  Heavy footsteps neared. With every step, her heart thumped louder and louder, her breaths grew shallow. Just outside the double doors, the steps ceased. She held her breath. Abruptly and with force, the doors flung open. She muffled a yelp and instinctively created an illusion, disguising herself and her scent.

  Then she saw him.

  A monstrosity of a man, tall, broad-shouldered, every inch of him muscled, tense, and ready to strike. His features as menacing as they were chiseled and masculine: a strong brow and jaw, a pronounced nose, thick lips with hair as black as night, and eyes nearly as dark.

  Trouble, her gift warned.

  And despite the warning, the strangest sensation came over her, one she’d never felt. Even as her hands trembled, she had the urge to trail them along his chest, then lace her fingers through his dark, overgrown hair.

  You’re in trouble, Val.

  His dark gaze found her, so much anger in those eyes. The breath rushed out of her. She felt herself go pale. Taking several steps away, she bumped into the countertop behind her. Her hands reached behind her, trying to grab onto something, anything.

  “You are?”

  The hostility in his voice made her cringe. She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I-I’m Valerie.”

  His gaze trailed down her body, then met hers again and narrowed. He took a threatening step in her direction and inhaled.

  Without another word, he turned and walked away. Her gaze followed him until he disappeared through a set of double doors.

  Leave, leave now.

  Taking several deep breaths, she tried to calm her shattered nerves. She finally summoned the strength and fled.

  Chapter 5

  What the hell was that scent? Jacob scratched the back of his head.

  The scent captivated him days ago, and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. He’d even dreamt of it, excruciatingly sweet. He couldn’t figure out where it came from, and it drove him mad.

  Hints of it had taunted him for days. He’d scented it on Ashley and Clyde and just yesterday on Jenna. Only moments ago, he smelled it again. It had been stronger then and evoked the strangest reaction in him—desire, such a strong carnal desire, it left him stunned. He hadn’t felt desire for centuries.

  But it seemed the scent belonged to no one. He’d thought with certainty he would’ve discovered it today, but the only person he’d come in contact with had been the rescued witch, Valerie. When he neared her, the scent vanished as quickly as it had overwhelmed him.

  He didn’t have the answer he craved.

  Jacob shook his head to dispel the scent, forcing himself to focus. He had Annie and couldn’t waste time on frivolous thoughts—a scent that taunted him for days.

  ****

  Her pulse continuing to pound wildly at the base of her neck, Valerie darted into her room, closed the door behind her, and leaned against it.

  Her emotions for a male she didn’t know and feared baffled her.

  Never had she feared a man before laying eyes on him. Never had she encountered a male who captivated her from first glance.

  She waited years to feel like she had when her eyes met his. Desire so pure and deep, it hadn’t yet released her.

  Time and time again, she’d insisted there was no point in dating a man who didn’t fascinate her. She found one, and yet she had to stay away.

  Her gift’s warning rang in her head. Figures for a man who wore anger like a shield, and yet she was inexplicably drawn, fearing him as deeply as she craved him. That craving only made her fear him more.

  One look and she knew he was a man she could fall for. But she couldn’t fall for a man who’d never be hers, fully, completely. Not before, especially not now after losing everyone she’d ever loved.

  A knock on the door made her jump. Immediately, she pulled away from the door and turned toward it. “Y-yeah?”

  “It’s Ashley. Can I come in?”

  She exhaled. “Yes, of course.”

  The door opened. “Good morning.” Ashley smiled. “Do you want to grab some breakfast with us?”

  No. Valerie did not. She could not bump into him, whoever he was, again. She had to stay away. “I…uh…”

  “Angel.”

  Valerie caught sight of Clyde a moment later, his hand clasped in a little girl’s, a beautiful girl with big, dark eyes and dark hair in waves. “Annie wanted to see you.”

  Ashley’s face lit up when the girl neared, wearing a white dress and a pair of matching sandals. “Hi, sweetie. How did you sleep?”

  “Good.” Her gaze darted toward Valerie.

  Valerie smiled at the girl, surprising even herself. For a while, she thought she’d never smile again.

  The young girl returned the smile. “Hi, I’m Annie.”

  “Hi, Annie. I’m Valerie. You can call me Val.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What are you, Val?”

  Not fully understanding the question, she hesitated.

  “I’m a demoness. Ash is an Elemental.” She said “Elemental” slowly, pronouncing each syllable. “And Clyde is an angel. So what are you?”

  Understanding now, she smiled. “I’m a witch.”

  Annie’s brows shot up.

  Val quickly added, “But I’m a good witch.” She raised her hand. “Scout’s honor.”

  Annie covered her mouth, then giggled.

  She couldn’t help but laugh softly, too. Seeing the beautiful girl laugh, being able to cause that reaction, gratified her in a way she hadn’t thought possible. Baffling. Then again, she had no experience with children. Maybe that’s what making a child laugh brought you—jo
y.

  Before she knew it, the moment ended, and Annie turned toward Ashley. “I want a braid, but Uncle Jake doesn’t know how to do it right. He looked it up on the internet, but he still can’t figure it out.”

  Ashley chuckled. “Well, let’s give Uncle Jake a break today, huh?”

  Valerie watched the exchange wondering who Annie was. Ashley had never mentioned a child or a brother named Jake. Valerie doubted Clyde had siblings. Angels didn’t mate; they were created, not procreated. Then again, maybe it was possible. After all, Clyde and Ashley were mated.

  Ashley began braiding Annie’s hair. Annie explained, “Uncle Jake says he’s going to paint my room today, then he’s going to build the new furniture, but he says I can’t help because I’m too little.”

  Ashley tied the braid with a band. “And what color is Uncle Jake painting your room?”

  Annie turned toward her.

  “Pink and he says I can’t be there either because the fumes…I don’t know what that means. I think he’s worried about me getting hurt, and I told him I’m strong because I’m a demoness, but he won’t listen and let me help.”

  “I could talk to him about it unless…” Ashley’s eyes twinkled. “You know what I think?”

  Annie leaned into Ashley. “What?”

  “I think your uncle wants to do all the work so he can surprise you.”

  “But I already know what everything looks like…”

  Ashley shrugged. “That’s very true, but you don’t know how it will look like together…Maybe he wants to see that beautiful face of yours light up when you see it for the first time.”

  “So what will I do all day?”

  “Umm…let me think.” Ashley smiled. “Would you like to go to the park?”

  Annie clasped her hands together excitedly and nodded.

  “Maybe Valerie can come with us?”

  Annie turned to her, her eyes as wide as saucers. “Will you? We can get on the swings.”

  She couldn’t find the strength to refuse the enthusiastic girl and agreed.

  Maybe, Valerie hoped, she could make her smile again and bring some joy her way, too.