Destiny Revealed
Page 4
“Sorry, I can’t help it if my husband is amazingly hot,” I said. I could practically hear Nat’s eyes rolling from the backseat. She didn’t comment again though.
We spent the weekend outdoors enjoying the warm weather. Our entire group decided to go to some underground caves just outside of town. I had done the tour with my third grade class, but hadn’t been back since then.
Dash was most impressed by the 54,000 year old bat guano. “Seriously? That’s what you’re the most excited about?” Nat asked him at the end of the tour. “Not the amazing fifty-one foot column of rock?”
Nick laughed and I said, “Typical Dash. Just when you think he’s maturing, he goes and gets excited about bat poo.”
“You don’t think it’s cool? I mean, come on, it’s like a zillion years old!” Dash argued.
“Whatever, weirdo,” Nat rolled her eyes and walked towards Jack’s car.
Nick and I slept in on Sunday until almost noon and went to the pool for the rest of the afternoon. “So, I was thinking,” I started as I sat up on my pool chair.
“Yes?” Nick raised his sunglasses to look at me. “You know how we don’t wear rings—” “Oh, Sof, I’m sorry. How stupid of me not to think of that. Everything just happened so fast. Do you want to go look next week?” Nick interrupted me.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” He looked confused. “I don’t really want a ring. I don’t think it means as much as the rest of the world likes to think it does.”
“Oh, well what did you want instead?” “Well, have you ever seen someone with a tattoo on their ring finger?” I asked.
“What? You want a tattoo?” He looked completely shocked.
“I just thought it would be cool to get each other’s names. It’s okay if you don’t want to do it. I realize it’s on you like forever.” I looked down at the concrete like there was a secret message hidden there. I thought he hated the idea and I was embarrassed.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Sof.” He leaned towards me and lifted my chin gently with his fingers. “I just never saw you as the tattoo type. But, yes, I have seen someone with one before. I think that’s an awesome idea. I know it’s forever and that’s what makes it so perfect for us. We’re bound forever, Bella Mia.” I smiled at him. “Why can’t you seem to get it that I’m not going anywhere? I wouldn’t have made the biggest commitment of all time if I planned on walking away. We are connected in a way that can never be broken. And though you were the one who asked me to be bound to you, if I recall, I’m the one who did the pursuing in the beginning. You hated me. And then maybe not as much, but you still wanted to be with me.”
I leaned in and kissed him. “I know. Sometimes I just look at you and think this is all an amazing dream. I mean, we brought our people together. I never thought that would happen in a million years.” He laughed at my exaggeration. “And you’re so perfect. I can’t believe you’re with me.”
“Sofia, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. You are the most beautiful creature to ever walk the earth. From the moment I saw you in the hallway, I knew I would never look at another girl the same. And you’re the most amazing witch. And when you do magic… That night in the woods when we were attacked,” his chest rumbled and I smiled. “It took my breath away how incredible you were. I promise I’m never going anywhere.”
“Okay, then how about after graduation we do it?” I asked with an excited grin.
“Perfect,” he smiled back.
~Chapter Four~
After seeming like time had sped up, the final two weeks of school seemed to drag on forever. “I’m so going to fail the math final,” Nat complained at lunch one afternoon as she dropped her head on the table.
“Oh whatever. You’re like one of the smartest people I know,” I assured her.
“I’ll help you study,” Jack grinned.
“Oh, I bet,” I laughed.
He ignored me and squeezed Nat’s arm. “Can’t you just take it for me?” she asked him as she sat up.
“If you take my bio final,” he answered.
“Ugh, never. That’s even worse,” Nat groaned as she dropped her head back on her arms.
“Don’t worry, Nat. You got this,” I smiled.
She ignored me and didn’t bother to sit up to eat lunch. The conversation changed to the topic of after graduation plans. “Who’s going to the University?” Helene asked.
“Nick is going to work at the restaurant full-time,” I said. “But I’m going and so are Nat and Jack.”
“Your wife is speaking for you already?” Dash teased Nick. “Did she completely take over as Alpha?”
That hit a nerve with Nick. He was very serious about his duty as pack leader and he didn’t like anyone challenging him. He gave Dash a really harsh look and growled through gritted teeth, “You will not question my authority again Dashiell—ever.”
Dash actually whimpered a little at the sound of his Alpha’s angry command. He tried to lighten things up and said, “Chillax dude. I was just messin’ around. I would never question you and I know you are true Alpha.”
I squeezed Nick’s arm hard to make him look at me. “Not cool. Calm down. We’re in public. And besides, you know he was joking.”
“I don’t care. It is not okay to joke like that. And sometimes I just get sick of his crap. It’s time for him to grow up,” Nick said.
“Still sitting here,” Dash grumbled.
“Nico, knock it off,” I chastised. He yanked his arm away, stood up, and practically stormed out of the cafeteria.
“Uh, what about you Rene?” Helene asked, turning to face him and trying to lighten things back up.
“What the ‘h’ was that all about?” Nat whispered to me. She sat up during all the commotion.
“Not sure yet. I might travel a bit. I’ve always wanted to go to France to see where our family came from.” Rene answered Helene.
“Ooh, me too,” Helene said.
“Hey, don’t get any ideas,” Dash interrupted.
“Of course I’d want to go with you,” she smiled at him.
“Ugh,” Jack said. “Those two are starting to bug me.”
“In case anyone was wondering, I’m going,” Dash said.
“You are? I just assumed…” I said.
“What? That I’m too dumb? Or is it because I’m too immature?” he seemed genuinely offended.
“No, I just never thought you would be interested,” I said.
“Of course I’m going. It’s like one of the best party schools on this side of the country,” he grinned.
“There’s the Dash I know and love,” I rolled my eyes.
“Hey,” Helene frowned. “Don’t party too much. I don’t want you running off with some college skank.”
“Never.”
“You’re right, Jack. They’re getting annoying,” I agreed.
The bell rang to signal the end of lunch hour and everyone but Nat and I left for classes. “To answer your earlier question, I have no idea,” I said to Nat. “But when I find out, I’ll keep you in the loop.”
I was able to catch up with Nick before he entered our classroom and tugged on his arm to stop him. “What was all that about?” I asked him, wrapping my arms around his waist. His frown disappeared as he leaned down to kiss me.
I felt someone bump into me from behind and saw Missy Collins glare at me. She sat next to Nick in art and I caught her staring at him on more than one occasion. “Watch where you’re going or you might trip,” I smiled sweetly as I focused on her feet. As she walked through the door, she tripped and smacked her face right on the corner of Mr. Whitman’s desk. I laughed as Mr. Whitman went to help her up. “That’s gonna be a nasty shiner.”
“Did you just do that?” Nick leaned in close and whispered.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I said. “And don’t avoid the question. What was your problem earlier?” Before Mr. Whitman could force us into class, I backed up around the corner so we co
uld finish our conversation.
“You think I’m bad, but you might have just broken her nose?” Nick questioned.
“Oh whatever, she totally deserved it. She practically drools on you everyday in class. If the roles were reversed, you would be punching a certain witch in the face,” I argued.
“What are you talking about? She sits next to me.”
“You’re so oblivious. She has the major hots for my husband. I did something about it, the end. Now, answer my question already.”
He just stared at me for a second. “You’re mean. No wonder Dash is afraid of you.”
“Well, unless you want me to hex you too, you better tell me what’s going on with you today,” I said.
He sighed heavily, “First of all, I am not going to apologize to him so don’t make me.” I nodded and he continued, “Whether he was joking or not, he seems to be the one to question my authority the most. It really pisses me off. I know you probably think I’m a jerk, but it’s my pack and Babbo sent me to this school to keep him in check. I have to remind him who’s boss sometimes.”
“And it has nothing to do with the fact that he hinted that I’ve got you whipped?” I smiled.
He laughed and answered, “There is no doubt about that Signora Bartolini. You’ve had me under a spell since day one.” Our foreheads were touching and he touched his lips gently to mine.
“Let’s get out of here. We’re already late anyway,” I said, pulling away from our embrace and leading him down the hall to the parking lot.
“Geez, you’re bossy,” he chuckled.
“Well, you’re kinda stuck with me, so get used to it.” As we got in the car, I asked, “Did you really like me from the beginning?”
“When I saw you at your locker that first day, staring at me,” he started.
“I was not staring at you,” I interrupted.
“Are you serious? You were totally checking me out,” he argued.
“Okay, so maybe I was thinking that I wanted to run my fingers through your hair like this,” I said.
“What? You never told me that,” he grinned and closed his eyes as I rubbed his scalp.
“So, I might’ve thought you were a little good looking. I still thought you were an idiot werewolf.”
“Hey,” he said as he opened his eyes and pulled away from me. “That’s not fair. You didn’t even know me yet.”
“I knew your pack and that was all I needed to know you would be the same. I mean, come on, the T-shirt you had on that day? Give me a break. I’m supposed to assume you’re Prince Charming?”
“Point taken,” he smiled and put his hand on my cheek. “And yes, I did like you right away. I looked over at you, standing there, and felt a tug in my chest.”
“I thought you hated me back. You kept giving me the evil eye and growling at me,” I grinned.
“Sei così bella,” he whispered. I loved when he told me how beautiful I was. “I never growled at you. I flashed my fangs a few times, but I already told you what that was all about.” It gave me butterflies just thinking about it. “I snapped at you because you wouldn’t back off. I was mad that I had it bad for you, and in return you treated me like a dog.”
I winced when he said the word. I knew how offensive it was to weres. “I didn’t really, did I?”
“It felt that way, but I realize now it was mostly your friends. When I caught you staring at me the day Dash pulled the alarm, I thought maybe you felt something too, but then you guys took my howl away.”
He whimpered softly and I kissed him. “I’m so sorry about that. I know I’ll never live it down, but I swear I genuinely didn’t want to do it.”
“I know, Bella. But after I confronted you and we ended up kissing, I knew you couldn’t deny it after that. And I was a total goner.”
“That really was the most amazing kiss I had ever had,” I smiled. Our noses were almost touching as we talked.
“What about that night when I snuck in your room?” he whispered.
“Why were you really there? Was it to get me to kiss you again?” I teased.
“You know why. I really did want to talk about it. You ran out on me like it was nothing, but I knew you had to feel something for me.”
“I seriously thought about skipping school for the rest of the year. I did not think I could face you after that. I wanted you, but I knew that wasn’t acceptable. Nat is the one who told me to kiss he-who-must-not-be-named.”
His chest rumbled a little, “She what? I’m gonna have to talk to that girl.”
“Oh stop. I thought it was a good suggestion. She said to kiss him, too so I would know for sure. If I didn’t feel magic with him, then I knew what the right choice was.”
“Grrr,” he growled. “I still think it was a stupid idea.”
“It worked though. It was like kissing a dead fish,” I said as he laughed out loud. “And your howl—that seriously broke my heart. That sealed the deal.”
“You did break my heart. I honestly thought that just going to the dance with him would make you realize we should be together. But then I walked outside to find you, and he had his arms all over you.” He growled again.
“You came to find me?” I asked.
“I was hoping you would be out there alone so I could talk to you about all of it.”
“Well, they lived happily ever after, so no need to think about it a second longer. He isn’t worth it.” I touched my lips to his and we ended up making out in his car until I heard a tap at the window.
I shot up and yelled, “What the hell, Nat?” as I saw her through the window.
“You got a little somethin’ right here,” she said as she looked at Nick and pointed to his mouth. He just grinned back at her.
“I take it you won’t be needing a ride home with me today?” she asked me. Nick and I came to school together every morning now, but since he had a final period, Nat always drove me home after art.
“Nah, I think I’m going to go home with this hot guy,” I whispered like he was a random stranger.
“Have fun,” she giggled and walked away.
~Chapter Five~
G raduation day arrived at last. “Halle-freakin’-lujah,” Nat said as we lined up to enter the gymnasium. “I can’t wait to get on with my life.”
“Tell me about it,” I agreed. “I’m really tired of this whole high school married couple thing.”
“It’s not like anyone even knows about it,” she reminded me.
“I know, but still.”
“Is she talking about how ‘weird’ our marriage is?” Nick asked, butting into the conversation.
“Yep,” Nat grinned.
“So, are we gonna go get our tats tonight?” Nick asked me.
“We can’t miss the grad night party,” I reminded him.
“Yes, you guys totally have to go,” Nat said. “You can get your ‘tats’ tomorrow,” she made fun of Nick.
“Do you still want to do it?” Nick asked me. Now that school was done, we were finally going to get our tattoo wedding bands.
“Of course. Hel-lo, I’m the one who came up with the idea,” I reminded him.
“Yeah, but only after I asked you if you wanted a ring,” he pointed out.
“I was going to ask you first, but you interrupted me and asked if I wanted to go look at rings. And this is permanent. Plus, I’m not a big ring person,” I said. “Unless you’re having second thoughts about having my name on your finger forever. Just because you like me right now, doesn’t mean—” The commitment Nick and I made in our binding ceremony was forever and I knew he loved me more than anything, but sometimes I still felt insecure. I felt like I didn’t deserve this perfect guy, which was weird because when we first met, I hated him. I hated all wolves really.
“Oh shut up, you guys. He more than likes you. He freakin’ did a witch ceremony that connects him to you forever! Stop being lame. And it’s time to go in now,” Nat yelled at us. I stuck my tongue out at her and followed her into
the gym.
The speeches were extremely boring. This girl, Jill gave the valedictorian speech. Nat turned to me and pulled her trigger finger at her head during the way too long speech about what we could accomplish if we put our minds to it. It was so incredibly unoriginal. “Do something to make her shut up,” Nat whispered to me.
“Like what? I can’t do magic in front of everyone,” I said.
“Uh, you totally made Mr. Vargas end class early that day, remember?” she reminded me.
I looked at Jill and concentrated. “What are you doing?” Nick asked.
“Shh… she’s gonna make this chick shut up,” Nat whispered across me. Nick rolled his eyes at her.
“The next step we can take—,” Jill was saying. “Is to… uh… to sit down and be done now,” she finished. Nat laughed way too loud and Jack had to pinch her arm.
“That.Was.Awesome,” she said to me. “Is there any way to make this whole lame thing be over yet?”
“Hold my hand and I’ll try,” I whispered to Nat. I wanted the extra boost of power she could give me. I didn’t realize it, but Jack was already holding her other hand, so I felt a huge rush of power as I mumbled under my breath, “This is not fun. Let it be done.”
The principal stood up immediately and said, “Well, let’s be done with this already. Jenna Austin,” he started with the diplomas without taking a breath.
“Holy crap, Sof. Did you just do that?” Nick asked.
“Yeah, but Nat helped.”
“Hey, don’t forget about me,” Jack complained.
I raised my eyebrows at him in surprise. The A’s were already done. There were only sixty kids in our graduating class. “Nick Bartolini,” Principal Johnson announced. Nick smiled at me and walked up to the stage.
Our entire group of friends whooped and hollered as he held his diploma up in his hand. We were so loud that I barely heard, “Sofia Bartolini.” I didn’t move.
“What the crap?” I asked Nat.
“I didn’t do it. It was him,” she pointed at Nick. Instantly I could hear murmurs from the students. “Well, are you gonna go up there?” She shoved me.