Fate Forgotten

by J. L. Sheppard

  Chapter 6

  A beautiful day, the sun high in the sky, a few scattered clouds and a light breeze. Valerie closed her eyes and enjoyed the sun’s warmth on her skin.

  “Val!” Annie dashed toward the swings. “Come!”

  Valerie smiled and headed in her direction.

  “You can swing next to me.”

  She nodded, then pulled a stray strand away from the child’s face and tucked it behind her ear, coincidentally grazing the side of her face.

  An image assailed her.

  A woman resembling Annie, dark hair in waves around her oval face. Her dark eyes wide with fear when she whispered, “Hide, Annie. Remember, always…always…” Her voice broke. “Mommy and Daddy love you very much.” A tear slid down her face. “Uncle Jake will come for you. He’ll take good care of you. I promise, baby.”

  Heart tightening in her chest, Val stilled. The foreign memory faded. Her eyes welled with tears, sympathy spilling from her. Every inch of her body ached to console the child who, it seemed, had lost both parents. The darling girl, an orphan like her, now lived with her uncle, a demon named Jake.

  “Why are you sad?” Annie asked.

  Shaking her head, she barely managed, “N-nothing.”

  Not a second later, she felt the heat of a hand on her arm. “I’m going to borrow Valerie. She’ll be right back.”

  Forcing a smile, she straightened and walked beside Clyde. A distance away, he whispered, “It’s true.”

  Her gaze shot to Annie who now swung beside Ashley. “What?” Her voice shaky.

  “Her parents were killed.”

  She swallowed. “I…I shouldn’t have seen that. I’ve never had the gift of hindsight.”

  “Which one of your sisters did?”

  Tears welled. She angled her body and face away. She wasn’t embarrassed by her pain or tears, didn’t care if Clyde witnessed it. It most likely wouldn’t be the last time since she was staying at the compound, but she didn’t want Annie to see her cry.

  “Shari.” She looked past him. “She always said it was a waste to see the past because it couldn’t be changed.”

  “It’s not a waste. It’s a gift just the same. Now, you know.”

  Meeting his gaze head on, she pointed out, “But I shouldn’t know. It’s a family matter. I have no right to know.”

  “If your gift allowed you to see it, then it is something you needed to know.”

  ****

  Valerie spent the morning at the park with Annie, Ashley, and Clyde. They ate lunch at a sub shop.

  It felt nice to get out, and she was glad she agreed to go with Annie. The time she spent with her, Valerie had gotten her mind off her grief. She hadn’t forgotten what happened or her sisters. She could never forget, but the anguish she endured for days had diminished.

  As the day passed, she figured out why. Clyde had been right. She needed to see Annie’s memory. She needed to witness Annie’s strength and resilience. They shared similar losses; while Val had grieved for days, refusing to get out of bed, wasting away, Annie had been smiling, laughing, and living. The beautiful, bright girl made her realize there was another way to live after tragedy—living to the fullest and honoring those you loved and lost. Annie, unbeknownst to her, inspired her to move on.

  In hindsight, no wonder Valerie felt such joy making Annie laugh, why she hardly thought of her grief the entire day.

  As the four of them strode into the elevator at the demon compound, Val knew the best part of the last several days had come to an end. When the elevator stopped on her floor, she regretfully said goodbye. Annie lunged at her, giving her a hug. She laughed, thrilled. Another memory assailed, her laughter died suddenly.

  Annie, scared and frightened, instantly relieved when she caught a glimpse of a man—tall, broad shouldered, dark hair and eyes.

  “Uncle Jake!” Annie shrieked then flung herself at him, wrapping her little arms around his legs.

  The male didn’t move, didn’t speak. Annie finally released him. Only then did he bend over and rest his weight on one knee.

  “You know who I am?”

  Annie nodded and placed her small palm on his face. He placed his hand over hers.

  “It’s okay, Uncle Jake, you can cry,” Annie said, sadly.

  The image dissipated.

  Valerie gasped. The man in the memory—the warrior she’d met hours ago, a demon entrenched in fury, the same man she feared as deeply as she craved.

  Annie pulled away. “Why are you sad, Val?”

  She stroked her hair and swallowed past the lump in her throat, ignoring the ache in her chest. “I’m sad to have our day end. I had so much fun with you, Annie.”

  Annie smiled widely. “We can play tomorrow.”

  “I would love that.”

  Valerie took a step away from the elevator, and the door closed.

  As she walked into the large living area, she glanced around the beautifully decorated room. Alone, the pain of her loss surfaced. Tears threatened. She sighed, fully aware she had to leave unless she wanted to cry again.

  She retrieved her wallet from her room, silently thanking Ashley and Clyde, who had secured it for her, then strode downstairs. About to open the door leading outside, a towering male appeared. Gasping, she took several steps away.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves.

  The attractive male with dark hair and matching eyes extended his hand to shake hers. “I’m Nathan.”

  He was a demon, she knew instinctively. Immortals of mature age could discern the breeds. She hesitated then, shook his hand. “I’m Val—”

  “Valerie.” He smiled. “I know. I’m one of the Guardians, a new recruit.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is mine. Where are you headed?”

  “I-I was going shopping.”

  “Mind if I come along?”

  She quirked a brow. “Why?”

  He chuckled. “For your protection, of course.”

  She took a step away. “Thanks for the offer, but I can take care of myself.

  He took a step forward. “I’m sure you can, but I’ve been given orders. I can’t let you leave alone.”

  She lifted her chin defiantly. “And who may I ask issued these orders?”

  He smirked. “My king.”

  “I don’t even know your king. Why does he care what happens to me?”

  The smile disappeared from his face.

  “If I wanted, I could bring you to your knees with a flick of my wrist, so why don’t you move aside?”

  His expression hardened, steeling himself, but he made no move to stop her. “Do as you wish.”

  She sighed, hating the thought of going shopping for clothes especially undergarments with a warrior in tow, but she didn’t have the heart to injure the poor guy either. “Fine.”

  He had the gall to smirk. “I had a feeling you didn’t have it in you.”

  Her cheeks flushed, this time in anger. “I take it back. You’re not allowed to come.”

  His eyes widened. “I apologize if I offended you. I didn’t mean to. I meant…” He sighed then, mumbled under his breath, “Damn.”

  She reached out with her wrist.

  He held up his hands in surrender. “Please, don’t…I’m just trying to do my job.”

  “Maybe, but I need underwear because all of mine was burned, and I really don’t want anyone watching me pick them out,” she blurted, then blushed.

  “Damn,” he again whispered under his breath. “I’d get one of the females to accompany you, but their mates wouldn’t allow them out alone either.”

  She read the sincerity in his voice and saw it in his eyes. It wasn’t his job to comfort her. A warrior would hate having to follow her as much as she hated having him tag along. “I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged. “Don’t mention it.”

  Chapter 7

 
“Uncle Jake!”

  Annie’s flushed face came into view. He smiled. She rushed to him. Kneeling, he caught her in his embrace, hugging her tightly.

  “Did you have…” His question trailed off when he caught a whiff of the scent lingering on her, the one that haunted him. “Uncle Jake?”

  Maybe he was losing his mind. Maybe the lack of sleep. He shook his head, refocusing his thoughts. “Nothing, pupa. How was your day with Ash and Clyde?”

  “It was sooooo much fun! We went to the park, and we were there for a loooong time. Ash and Val got on the swings with me and then the monkey bars, and we had lunch, and I had a sandwich called a sub. It had meatballs and cheese!”

  Val? “Who’s Val?”

  “Valerie. She’s really nice and really pretty, but she gets sad sometimes. I don’t know why.”

  His gaze shot to Ashley then Clyde.

  “She’s really sweet, Jake, and also great with Annie. You should meet her.”

  Not his top priority. Luckily, he’d already met her and didn’t have to say so. “I have. Thanks for watching her today.”

  Clyde nodded. “No problem.”

  His attention returned to Annie. “Want to see your room, pupa?”

  Smiling, she nodded.

  “Close your eyes.”

  He waited until she did then, carried her into her room. At the threshold, he set her on her feet and whispered, “Open your eyes.”

  The moment her eyes opened, her face lit up. He knew she’d like it. She’d picked everything from the color on the walls to the furniture to the frilly, pink rug to the plush toys and books. The reason he hadn’t expected to feel the magnitude of utter surprise.

  Releasing a breath, he grinned. The manual labor and hours of Jenna making him rearrange furniture over and over again until she thought it was perfect was worth it. Just to see the smile on Annie’s face and feel the pure, undiluted happiness he felt running through her.

  She turned to him, smiling, and threw herself at him. He kneeled in time and caught her. Her chest slammed into his. Her arms wrapped around him.

  He laughed, returning the hug.

  When she pulled away, she whispered, “Thank you so much, Uncle Jake. I love it.”

  Overwhelmed, staring into her familiar round eyes beaming with joy and gratitude for such a simple act brought him a profound sense of fulfillment.

  “And I love you, pupa.” The words he hadn’t said in more than a century spilled from his lips easily, leaving him dumbstruck.

  Not a lie. Jacob hadn’t realized it then, but he loved the child the moment he laid eyes on her. Even the pictures his sister sent over the years wrought emotions in him he’d never been able to understand. They were merely pictures of a child he’d never met.

  Still beaming, she said, “I love you more, Uncle Jake.”

  His heart melted.

  Chapter 8

  “Why didn’t you buy the red dress?”

  Valerie shopped with Nathan for several hours and had to give him credit. He did his best to give her space especially in the undergarments area.

  Turning to him, she met his gaze head-on. “It’s not a good color for me, and—”

  “Who told you that?”

  “I…” She looked forward and started walking. He followed suit. “No one. It’s just too…It draws too much attention and—”

  “And that’s bad?”

  She shrugged. “I…um…” No, not bad, just not her. Besides, she was a homebody, hardly ever went out. She doubted that would change now. “I don’t wear dresses much.”

  “Why?”

  “Because…”

  “Don’t tell me you’re one of those women.”

  “One of what women?”

  “You know…insecure when they shouldn’t be.”

  Was she insecure? Not really. There were things about her she would change if she could, but didn’t everyone feel that way? “Well…”

  He laughed. “You are one of those women. You shouldn’t be. You’re very beautiful.”

  She stopped midstride. Her eyes wide, staring at him.

  He turned to her, holding his hands out. “I’m just being honest.”

  She fought the urge to laugh, then gave up and chuckled. “Do you really think I’d attack you for saying I’m pretty?”

  “Uh, no, but…” He shrugged. “I never know what to expect with women.”

  What? Hard to believe. Nathan was attractive in a very obvious way, tall and broad shouldered with dark hair and matching eyes. Weren’t women always fawning over him?

  “I never know what to expect with men.”

  He smiled then added, “You should buy the dress.”

  “Where on Earth will I wear it?”

  “You have met Jenna?”

  She nodded.

  “She’s my queen. She hosts what she calls ‘get-togethers’ for the Guardians frequently. I’m not very familiar with the term because I’d never been outside the demon plane until recently, but I think it means large, lavish parties.”

  She laughed aloud. “It means just the opposite.”

  His brows lifted. “It does?”

  She nodded. “I suppose I should buy it then.”

  “Yes, you should, and you should buy the black one, too.”

  Her gaze snapped back to his, regarding him carefully.

  “Every woman needs a black cocktail dress.”

  Her brows furrowed. “How would you know?”

  “Even demon warriors have mothers.”

  She smiled.

  She bought the red dress and, at Nathan’s insistence, several others. Before she knew it, she’d let her guard down, and he seemed to as well. They chatted and talked easily for close to an hour. She continued to shop, then they headed back to her temporary home.

  “How many others live at the demon compound?”

  “Full time?”

  She quirked a brow. “Full time?”

  He chuckled. “There’s my king and queen, Lucas and Jenna, who live on the top floors. Jenna’s sister, Ashley and Clyde, whom who’ve met also live there. But Lucas’s brother, Cain and his mate, Olivia, spend half their week at the compound and the other half at the werewolf estate.”

  “Why?”

  “Olivia’s a werewolf. She’s the sister of the alpha, Landon, who’s mated to Jocelyn, Jenna and Ashley’s other sister. She and Landon stay at the demon compound from time to time. Beside them, there’s Hades. He’s another new recruit. Benjamin and Jacob.”

  “You mean Jake?”

  “I guess Ashley mentioned him.”

  No, she hadn’t. Ashley talked about her sisters, her mate, and her sisters’ mates, but never Jake. “Why would you say that?”

  “She’s the only person who gets away with calling him that…” He shrugged. “I suppose she’s one of two. I’ve heard his niece calls him that, too.”

  “Oh,” she mumbled.

  “You’re scared of him.” A statement rather than a question.

  “Why would you say—”

  “Because I can sense it.”

  Duh! She knew demons were empaths. “There’s no use denying it then.”

  “No, and there’s no reason to be scared either.”

  “If you say so…It was just…I ran into him, and he was angry, really angry, and I felt it.”

  “That’s him.”

  So he was like that all the time.

  Her insight, her gift, was right. It had never been wrong before, but still she hoped for Annie’s sake. She couldn’t imagine how someone with such animosity could raise a child.

  He glanced in her direction. “Demons feel emotions, but we can also project them. Some use the ability to instill fear. They believe they can use it to their advantage in battles.”

  She supposed that was a useful tool, but why did Jake project his anger when he wasn’t in battle? She wanted to ask, but refused to show any more interest.

  “How many times have you met him?”

&nb
sp; “Just once. This morning.”

  “Then you’ve the gift of psyche-sight.”

  “I do,” she admitted. “Didn’t you know?”

  He shook his head.

  “I figured everyone knew.”

  “Why?”

  “Clyde knows. He knows everything about me including my thoughts.”

  “He’s an angel. I don’t think anyone knows the extent of their abilities. But he won’t tell us everything, only what we need to know. He’d respect your privacy.”

  “Good to know.” She drew in a breath and pointed out, “Wouldn’t you consider my abilities a ‘need to know’?”

  “The only thing we need to know is you aren’t allied with Malums. We know they’re looking for you. You need protection, and we can provide it, so we are.”

  Her heart tightened. He’s noble. Not just him, but the Guardians, too. “Thank you. And I am sorry about before.”

  “No need to apologize, Valerie.”

  They reached the demon compound. He opened the door for her, and together they walked into the elevator.

  “Are you headed to dinner tonight?”

  She hesitated. As much as she dreaded going back to her room and spending the night alone, she didn’t want to see the angry demon warrior. The illusion she created meant chances were he wouldn’t recognize her, but he would recognize her name. She didn’t want to find out what he’d do when he discovered she deceived him.

  “I doubt he’ll be around. He usually eats in his apartment with Annie.”

  “I don’t know—”

  “If he’s not there, I’ll come get you myself.”

  She agreed. The elevator halted on her floor. He handed her the shopping bags, which he’d insisted on carrying. In doing so, his fingers grazed hers. A memory flooded her.

  Five moons shined in the sky. Nathan gazed up at them, and then his gaze settled on a blonde. “You are stunning.”

  As if struck, the blonde took several steps away and glared. Then without a word, she turned and walked away. He ran his hands through his hair in frustration, cursing under his breath.

  She knew then. He hadn’t lied.

  “You okay, Val?”

  Her gaze met his. She nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  ****