True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  "Darragh you can take your jaw off the floor. Come on Ave.", he said grabbing her bags and winking at Darragh and heading upstairs.

  "Of course. I...eh hem, have a good night then.” Darragh said politely yet dumbfounded, though he felt it really was none of his business.

  Darragh had no idea what was going on with those two but he was aware they'd known each other their whole lives. He never thought it was fair of Lilith to ask him to keep an eye on Eric and he had heard about Rian from Avery. He had sensed Lilith’s possessiveness when she'd mentioned him, even though she clearly loathed him.

  But he could read emotions and had a gift for seeing things that others missed. That's only one of the gifts he'd kept from Lilith. He knew not to trust her before she'd chosen him for her personal guard because of his strong compulsion and his guiding abilities.

  He would never trust her fully, she'd lied to him too many times. He wouldn't share everything with her and if Nia was indeed the girl they'd been searching for she may very well be a new future for his kind. He called it a night and made his way to his own room to get rested for tomorrow.

  Avery was a bit shocked by the size of the room and the huge lavish bed. It was gorgeous. She made a beeline for the bed and belly flopped on it as Eric set her bags down laughing. "Thank you Avery, I really do appreciate your company.” he said rubbing his neck nervously.

  Sitting up she tried not to sound weak. "You realize I'd do anything for you, don't you?” she said softly looking at her hands now sitting on the edge of the bed.

  Rian kneeled in front of her, "I'm really glad to have you here with me." He said lifting her chin to look at him. Her smile was dazzling and his fingertips tingled where he touched her chin. 'What was that?’ he thought.

  Avery's heart was hammering inside of her chest as heat crept from her chin to deep in her belly. She'd never in all her life felt the intensity coming off of him like she did now.

  He stared at her unmoving, "Avery.", he breathed not able to look away searching her eyes. She took a deep breath unable to break away from the smoldering gaze that was holding her in place.

  "Rian, I...” He placed his hands on either side of her face and her resolve slipped away as she leaned her cheek to his warm palm.

  "Avery, I never saw it before, but I do now.” he leaned in and just like she had imagined a million times before, he closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers. The world fell away as her heart melted. She felt tender, something she didn’t recognize anymore.

  Avery could swear there were actual sparks as her eyes fluttered while scenes from a future with him came rushing through her mind like lightning fast flashes. Her insides shuddered and her heart swelled. She couldn’t contain the emotion that burst from her now.

  Pressing closer he tangled his fingers in her hair and felt like his hands and wrists were burning from the contact. He pulled away slowly and looked deep in her tear filled eyes.

  "Avery.” he said smiling and kissing the tears on her cheeks. She smiled and gave a small laugh.

  "I have dreamt of this moment before but that was so much better.” she admitted with a giggle and blushed a deep red.

  “Can I see your left hand?” she asked as she lifted his sleeve and just as she thought she'd seen in a flash there was the beginning of a bond mark snaking around his left wrist and hand.

  He lifted her left sleeve and smiled gently stroking his fingers over her matching mark. She gasped almost not believing what she saw even though she was certain she saw it during the kiss. It was a replica of the mark now on Rian.

  Avery’s resolve crashed around her and she began to cry and he hugged her to him.

  "Avery, I'm so glad it's you.” her body shook with the tears and laughter that wouldn’t stop as he patiently waited for her sobs to subside. He just held her to him cradling his destiny in his arms. 'She was here all along.’ he thought in wonder. 'How could I not know she was to be mine, my Fated?’ Rian smiled and held her tight as she started to calm.

  "Rian, I...” she began, this was it, the moment was here.

  “I have loved you nearly my whole life. I hope that someday you can love me too.” she said quickly.

  Rian smiled, "Avery I do love you I just didn't know how much until now. You have been there for me through everything, even now. I can't think of a better match for me.", he said with his thoughts only momentarily straying to Nia.

  Avery smiled an amazing smile and laid her head on his chest.

  "No pressure, okay.” he said stroking her hair.

  She only nodded and stayed there in the warmth of his embrace for as long as possible. They scooted onto the bed and laid there staring at their matching wrists and each other.

  "Ave, why don't we get some sleep,” he said as he kissed the top of her head.

  Truly he was in awe at the delicateness of this woman he had known as a fierce warrior. He knew it was going to be strange at times but he really was happy it was her. They knew everything about each other and he was grateful for it. He'd have to figure out how to get out of having to return to the dreamscape permanently. That was going to be tricky, they both knew it too. But for now this would be enough. Avery scooted into him and took a deep breath as he wrapped her in his arms and they settled into a comfortable silence and drifted to sleep, together.

  Chapter 9

  Nia focused her blurry vision by blinking slowly and she saw Aaron standing a short distance away under an oak tree. His arms were crossed in front of him. She immediately noticed the lack of a shirt on his part, not that she was complaining. Her cheeks flushed and she couldn't help but admire his tattooed form. He turned his back to her and she stared at his tattoos that were on his upper back over his shoulders to his chest. He turned around again and she hoped he wouldn’t see her yet.

  He was definitely a sight to behold. Beautifully intricate filigree decorated his muscular but not overly so, arms leading up into some tribal ink. A large deep red rose covered his elbow. Miranda was scrawled in elaborate lettering on his forearm surrounded by tiny roses

  .

  He definitely looked the part to be a Guardian. In fact he reminded her of a fallen angel she’d read about in one of her favorite books. His feet were bare and his dark hair was disheveled, he had on a pair of black pants. She guessed, like her, he didn't think to dress for the occasion. She self-consciously tugged at the hem of her t-shirt.

  Aaron turned and saw Nia walking towards him clearly checking him out with the most beautifully rosy cheeks he'd seen on her yet. He smiled that dazzling smile happy that he elicited a reaction from her. She was wearing a black t-shirt that had 'Rebels Read' on the front and a neon pink fist of rock on it. Much to his vexation she had no pants on though he assumed she had maybe really short shorts on. She noticed him eyeing her legs sticking out of her oversized tee and lifted it a fraction to show the neon pink cotton shorts she had on underneath.

  Aaron's jaw nearly dropped at the flash of pink that she'd shown him. He walked towards her slowly, holding out his hand and she took it without hesitation. When Nia placed her hand in his it brought on the buzzing hum she was becoming familiar with and he sighed like he was relieved.

  "How long have you been here?” Nia asked not able to tear her eyes away from the details of his tattoos. He definitely noticed he was a bit distracting to her and he loved every minute of it. "Not long, just waiting for you.” He said pulling her close.

  Nia giggled and put a hand on his chest to steady herself as he looked in her eyes. A pulsing heat was coming from her palm that could render him useless. Nia bit her lip as the tingling that started at her hand rippled through her body. A million lifetimes could pass by right now and neither would care. She was slowly leaning into him lost in his gaze when someone cleared their throat.

  Knowing who it was immediately a hot blush rose from her neck creeping to her face. Aaron tensed as Eric approached them with an unreadable expression on his face. Nia turned and her breath caught, it was so
hard to get used to his crystal blue eyes and the way they bore into her soul with every gaze between them. She just stood there locked in the moment and now it was Aaron's turn to clear his throat.

  Nia shook her head trying to clear it of all of the haziness that seemed to settle when Eric was around. She stepped away from Aaron and wrapped her arms around her torso. Aaron shifted on his feet clearly uncomfortable at Nia's reaction to Eric noticing her sudden need for distance.

  Nia was desperate to move past the awkward moment, "Should I sleep fully clothed next time?" she asked as Eric smiled mischievously.

  "That's entirely up to you," was his reply.

  Aaron's jaw tensed at the seemingly flirtatious exchange. He took a step towards Nia and wrapped his strong arms around her waist pulling her back to his bare chest flexing his muscles. She sighed as his warmth settled on her and looked nervously at Eric who turned and started walking towards a large tree. Nia took Aaron's hand from around her waist and pulled him to follow.

  "I've been wondering when the two of you would show.” Eric said. "I brought a friend with me.", he added quickly as Avery came out from behind the tree, giving an awkward wave.

  She was beautiful in person but here, in this place, she had other-worldly beauty. Her deep red hair had a luminous shine to it and her emerald eyes shone bright. Her ivory skin was flawless and the forest green pajama tee she was wearing made it glow. Her pants had tiny leprechauns on them.

  "Nice pajamas.” Nia said with a giggle. Avery blushed and they all laughed.

  "You too, Nia.” Avery added. It seemed to be a comfortable atmosphere with the four of them, Nia thought.

  "So where are we?” Aaron asked looking at Eric. "This is a dreamscape specifically crafted for our training needs. It's 'powered' by myself and Avery combined with parts of the both of your own dreamscapes mixed in.", Eric explained.

  "Avery can fill you in on its specialties.” Eric said, nodding in her direction.

  'Something's definitely different.’ Nia thought. She watched as Eric and Avery exchanged shy glances and secret smiles. Avery broke the short silence, "Okay so most of this place will morph to our needs and in some situations our wants. We're all completely safe here too. We have Eric to thank for that.” Avery said giving him another grin.

  "That's great. So what do we start with then? We are going to learn something right? Oh, yeah and I could use a shirt.” Aaron asked.

  Eric went by the tree and a branch dipped low as he sat down followed by Avery. Aaron approached it with caution then sat too. "Just think about the shirt or any aspect of your outfit you want to change close your eyes and concentrate. It's fairly easy. And yes you are here to learn.” Eric answered.

  Aaron closed his eyes tight and concentrated. Slowly but surely Nia was excited to see clothes come out of nowhere. He stayed there for about thirty seconds and opened his eyes slowly. He was now wearing jeans and a black tee, along with his vans. "Cool.", was his response then he smiled at Nia.

  Closing her eyes for about five seconds Nia was wearing a black cami and skinny jeans with her converse, earrings and full make up. Aaron's eyes were wide and Avery whispered, "Show off." Then laughed. Eric just sat there proud of the both of them.

  Nia looked around wondering what this dreamscape was really capable of when the ground started to shift and rumble as Avery's eyes went wide. Aaron was leaning against the tree and gripped it for support, "What the.” he said as Nia stared at the ground where something was clearly forming.

  She stretched out her hand and concentrated harder on what she wanted. Everything blurred and it looked like she was looking through a sepia filter as all color drained from in front of her.

  Eric laughed as he watched his own house raise up from the ground. Nia's tattoos glowed amber and blue as the finishing touches were forming. Eric was slow clapping, "Bravo.", he said, then laughed again. Aaron gaped and looked from Nia to the house then back at Nia.

  Eric slowly approached Nia and saw that her eyes were glowing a bluish gold.

  "Nia.", he whispered. She was still unable to focus but could hear him clearly as he put a hand to her cheek, "Nia.", he whispered once more. She smiled and took a deep breath as he faded from sepia to a cool blue then dull color. She blinked away the haze and regained her full sight, tipping forward into Eric's arms. "Wow." was all Eric could say.

  Aaron was stunned he'd never seen anything like that ever! This was a lot to take in. He just sat not wanting to admit he was afraid of what he'd just seen. He was upset that he hung back and Nia was now in Eric's arms being held close to him.

  Avery was astonished and her jealousy was spiking as Eric was approaching Nia. Much less cradling her close also reminded her of the enormity of this assignment and what it meant to all of their people.

  Eric lifted Nia effortlessly and said, "Come on.” over his shoulder to Aaron and Avery. They followed him inside and he laid her on the couch. Aaron went to her side and grabbed her hand placing a light kiss on her palm. Avery went into the kitchen where she could hear Eric.

  "How the hell did she do that?” Avery asked in a barely audible voice. Eric raised his hands and shook his head indicating he had no clue.

  "Have you taught her anything?” she asked.

  "No, nothing.” he responded.

  "So it's true then? She's the one?” Avery asked wide eyed.

  "I really think so Ave. Come on.” Eric said.

  She followed him the back way to his room. They had a few minutes until the tea pot whistled. He went to a hope chest in the window seat and pulled out some blankets and dug in the bottom shifting a board he dug deeper and came up with a book and a silver tarnished box. Avery stood stunned, "Is that what I think it is?” she asked taking a step back. He just nodded and put the board back in place, then put the blankets back in.

  "But how? How did you get it? And why do you have it?” Avery started to shake, 'What the hell did I get myself into? This is bad.’ she thought to herself.

  She put two and two together quickly. "How long have you known about her?” she asked almost sounding hurt. The tea kettle whistled and he pushed past her with the items tucked under his arm. Avery’s heart sank. This assignment may very well be her last. If Eliara finds out he has what she's sure is in the box, she'll kill them all. Not to mention the hell they'll have to pay if he took it without Lilith’s consent.

  Aaron sat quietly beside Nia as he waited for her to stir. She'd looked at him for a moment smiled and closed her eyes but hadn't opened them since. His hand rested on her wrist feeling her pulse and it was the only thing keeping him from freaking out any more than he already was.

  He heard the tea pot whistle for two seconds before it was silenced, only a few more seconds passed by before Eric came in holding a steamy mug. He set it on the coffee table and asked Aaron.

  "Has she been out the whole time?” Eric asked but Aaron could only nod. He had a lump in his throat the size of a golf ball.

  When Avery walked into the room you could've cut the tension with a knife. She looked to be debating something in her head, Aaron thought.

  "It should only be a few more minutes, then she needs to drink.” Eric instructed Aaron. "See that she drinks it all. I have to go talk to Avery.” Eric said without meeting Avery's eyes.

  "We'll be right back.” Eric said, grabbing Avery's hand in passing and taking her out of the house.

  Once outside she began to speak but he stopped her and closed his eyes and a thin iridescent bubble surrounded them.

  "Please Ave don't be mad. I... I wanted to tell you but there are some things that I have been forbidden to speak of. My life hasn't been my own for a very long time now.” he said firm but sadly.

  Avery couldn't stand to see the worry on his face.

  She sighed, "I'd forgive you a thousand deadly sins. I just... this is risky. What if they find out? Where will we go? How will we hide?” Avery blurted in a shaky tone as her body was wracked with tremors, clearly afraid of what
could happen. Moving closer Eric cupped both sides of her face forcing their eyes to meet.

  "Avery please listen to me. If I'm right and Nia is who I think she is, we have nothing to fear. No one will dare come against us and if they do they will lose. I promise you that I've thought this through, you have to trust me on this.” He said pleadingly stroking her cheek with his thumb.

  How on earth was she supposed to disagree with him? The fact of the matter is that she trusted him utterly and completely. She sighed and nestled her cheek to his warm palm. "I will always trust you and if you say it will be okay. I believe you.” she gave him a small smile.

  Dropping one hand he brushed his lips slowly across her mouth then released her face.

  Avery shivered at the loss of his warmth mixed with the fear that lingered on her skin. He embraced her and held her close. "It's going to work out, you'll see.” he reassured her smoothing her hair. Avery reached up and traced the scar on his cheek.