True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  "I don't even know how much you know. I don't know a whole lot myself, they won't or can't tell me they just said this journey is important and I should go as soon as possible. I'm going to see Aunt Amarie.", she said stopping in front of him and his eyes lifted to hers.

  He sighed heavily and spoke softly, "Nia, I didn't mean to hurt you,” He paused swallowing hard on the knot in his throat as a tear escaped down his cheek.

  “I was just trying to keep you safe and hidden, but they found you anyway. I failed.” he said sounding defeated.

  "Who dad? Is there anything you can tell me at all?” she asked frustrated.

  "I'm sorry Nia, I can't tell you, and no one but Aunt Amarie can because she's the family's matriarch. I'm terrified that you're dealing with this on your own, I'm actually thankful for Aaron. I was just shocked when I saw the bond marks but then I saw the promise mark and I couldn't believe it. My baby is promised, it's just a lot at once you know?” he said finally looking into her eyes with a bewildered expression.

  "I know all about too much at once, trust me! I'm barely clinging to my sanity Dad and I've known all my life I was different you know. There were odd things that had happened over the years, things I dismissed as coincidences. But then on my eighteenth birthday Rhea woke up and I was burning hot and shaking then she said my eyes glowed and I spoke a creepy poem. Now everyone is talking about some crazy cryptic prophecy. They are all cryptic for that matter and it's so frustrating!” Nia huffed out and flopped on the couch beside her dad.

  Her dad reached for her hand, "Baby girl I'm sorry, I hope someday you can forgive me. I thought I could keep you from all of this but I guess I was wrong. I should've told you a long time ago, prepared you somehow. I'm so sorry honey.” Vince pleaded.

  Nia couldn't help it she let the tears go that were already welling up. She hugged her dad and he hugged her crying into her hair, she was glad they shared this moment, he knew she loved him and she was just hurt. And now she knew why he'd lied and she wasn't surprised that he couldn't tell her anything. There seemed to be some curse on her in that area, she thought.

  They stayed that way for a little while until Margie knocked lightly and opened the door. When she saw their tear stained faces she rushed towards them and put a hand on each of their shoulders. They got up and shared an awkward group hug that Nia melted into.

  This coming week was going to be hard and the information at the end of her journey was going to change her forever. She took the opportunity to take in the comfort she got in their arms. "I love you baby.” her mom whispered to her.

  "I love you both.” Nia said drying her tears. She got up and told them she was going to the bathroom when she really needed a few minutes to calm down and gather her emotions.

  Splashing water on her face she went back to her room. Aaron and Rhea were in there talking to Lena and Amarie who had just gotten there.

  "Nia, I'm going to miss you." Amarie said as she came and wrapped her in a hug.

  "I'm going to miss you too Amie.” she responded with a smile.

  "We need to get you packed.” Rhea reminded. Nia nodded and went into the closet with Rhea, Amarie and Lena while Aaron sat at her desk and waited.

  It took about a half hour for Nia to pack and load up. "We'll be leaving at four or five a.m.", Nia informed her family as they all stood on the porch saying their goodbyes.

  Aaron opened her door for her and they were on their way.

  "You okay.” Aaron asked grabbing Nia's hand and kissing it.

  "Yeah I guess. Definitely better, I know he had good intentions anyway at least that's what I'm telling myself to get through this. I'm just ready to get all of it settled.” she said with a sigh. She was still raw and nursing fresh wounds but she guessed they were on the right track to forgiveness.

  Going back to Aaron's Nia hugged Rhea before she went home to get a little sleep. They had a long week ahead of them but Rhea made her promise they'd have some fun along the way. Nia hoped they would too and with minimal drama, but she knew that was going to be a long shot.

  Nia woke up feeling rested as she clicked on her phone to check the time, it was 3am. She slipped Aaron's arm off of her from where he was holding her tight easing it slowly. It was almost second nature and not at all awkward to sleep next to him though it was strange the level of comfort she was experiencing but she wasn't going to fight it. She decided to take her shower and get ready to go.

  Rhea was going to be there in an hour and a half. Five thirty is what they had all finally agreed on last night. She'd be glad to get going and with things as settled as can be with her dad. She was ready to enjoy the trip. They were going to be getting great weather for the trip through Texas and she was glad. Cloudy, windy and cool her favorite! She enjoyed the warm shower letting the water relax her tense muscles.

  Aaron woke up and immediately noticed the absence beside him. He wasn't sure how he'd gotten so used to having her there, but he was, and now his bed felt empty. Getting up he walked half asleep and still shirtless to the living room. The water was just shutting off and he could smell berries and melons in the steam that had crept from under the bathroom door. He knew this trip was going to be serious but he also knew Nia made was adamant that she wanted to have some fun too. He would have to try and do his best to help with that.

  Having called Leo yesterday he told him he was going away for a weekend with a hot girl. To which his friend laughed and said “Hey if she’s hot stay gone more than a week.” Always a kidder, he wasn't upset or even really curious. It would make being away easier for sure though he'd call Becca today and give her some time off unless she wanted to work, he'd give her the option.

  The door to the bathroom creaked open and Nia popped her head out.

  "Oh, hey.” she said a bit surprised to see him awake.

  "Hey.", he said. She shyly stepped from the bathroom wrapped in his robe.

  "Um, I hope you don't mind, I forgot my clothes.” she said quietly.

  "Of course I don't mind.” he said smiling and going closer than he probably should, knowing the only thing that stood between him and this beautiful woman was his robe. But he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her anyway and she melted into his kiss and he loved that.

  "Good morning beautiful.” he said pulling away from her lips.

  "Morning.", Nia said absentmindedly touching a finger to her mouth.

  She'd never get tired of her body's reaction to him, Aaron gave a small laugh and walked into the bathroom shutting the door behind him.

  Going to the room Nia put on her jeans and chose her long sleeved Smith's shirt with black lace sleeves. Then headed back out to the living room when she found Aaron gathering clothes from the dryer.

  "Do you mind if I wash a load?” she asked.

  "It's cool with me.", he answered with a lopsided grin.

  Placing the clothes on his recliner he brought a basket and a large duffle bag, setting them down in front.

  "Putting them away and packing all at once? Very productive.” Nia teased with a smile nodding her approval. She helped him and when they were done he got in the shower. She took that time to put her makeup on in Aaron's room and decided to leave her hair down. Comfortable but ready for anything as she went to moving her clothes from the washer to the dryer.

  Aaron got out of the shower and came out in only his jeans. You would certainly hear no complaints from Nia about his shirtless comfort. They watched the news and waited all packed up and ready to go snuggled up in his recliner.

  Rhea and Adam were the first to arrive, Rhea sat on the floor next to them asking where Nia was going to want to stop first. They were mapping out their game plan when Avery, Eric and Darragh got there. Everyone went to load up while Nia and Aaron made sure that they weren't forgetting anything there, then went out to join the others.

  Darragh was standing just inside an open door rearranging everyone’s bags in the turtle. The seating arrangement was the last thing to sort out. Aaron wan
ted to drive first so Nia took shotgun. Rhea and Adam were on the next row putting Eric and Avery and Darragh in the back and he liked that he could quickly exit the back. It wasn't the best strategically but they would switch and keep Nia in the center of the vehicle once they got further north, closer to his kind. He wasn't sure how it was all going to play out he just knew it was going to get messy. They were on their way and spirits were high, they'd hopefully stay that way.

  Aaron had been driving for a few hours when they were unanimously hungry. They had stopped for a bathroom break and gas but they needed to eat. Pulling up to a roadside diner they all got out of the vehicle.

  “So what do you think Rae?” Nia asked going to stand by her bestie as Eric approached Aaron.

  "Hey are you ready to switch?” he asked.

  "Yeah man thanks.” he said handing Eric the keys, he tucked the keys in his pocket and went to where Avery was standing, waiting for him.

  They went in and sat at a back corner table when Darragh's phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and got up quickly answering it on his way to find privacy.

  "Hello? Yes. Of course. Thank you Alana. I appreciate it. Yes, goodbye.” he blew out a breath and went back to the table with everyone looking at him expectantly.

  "What?” he said simply as if none of that just happened.

  Eric smacked him with a napkin and Nia pushed into his mind. 'What was that about?’ she asked causing him to gape at her.

  He couldn't believe she could do that without his permission, 'Lilith will meet us in dream tonight.’ he answered trying to shake her out of his mind.

  Nia quickly relayed the message into Aaron and Eric's bonds and Eric let Avery know through theirs. All the way around they could communicate without speaking or tipping off Adam to their other activities. The less he knew the better for him.

  Rhea said, "Oh-kay. Anyways.” to break the awkward silence that had built up.

  "Let's order.” she waved over the waitress and they ordered and had a great lunch. There was little talk and a lot of eating keeping it light while they could.

  Nia, Rhea, Aaron and Adam were all taking pictures documenting this road trip. It was one of Nia's requirements. Rhea grabbed match books, napkins and even stuffed a menu in her bag as Nia went and bought t-shirts for herself, Rhea, Adam and Aaron. They all wrote on the napkin what they thought of the place and Nia tucked it in the trip journal they'd started on their Cali trip. She put the match books in the middle console in a bag they had from that trip.

  Aaron and Nia sat on the second to the last seat. Eric drove with Avery by his side and Rhea played DJ with the MP3 player. So far so good.

  Chapter 15

  Eric was on edge with every mile they got closer up north. The closer north, the closer they come to danger. It may be a long time since he was in his realm but he knows exactly where the entrances to their hidden world are. Nia was oblivious to this fact and he wasn't sure he was okay with it. He had to find a way to talk to Aaron alone without him freaking out. Knowing they'd see Lilith tonight he hoped she could give them an update of sorts, he just didn't trust her fully.

  She may be trying to help Nia but there had to be a motive for her she didn't do things out of the kindness of her heart. He would have to wait and see but you could never be too careful. His biggest concern was Eliara. If she found out they'd found Nia she would put a price on her head and that would definitely be bad.

  "Avery,” he said quietly.

  It was dark now and everyone was asleep even her. They were supposed to get a hotel to get some real rest but they had a driving goal for the night.

  "Hey.", she said letting a mischievous smile spread across her face.

  The entire drive was around twenty hours but they had to stop along the way a few times and Eric had been designated driver to that point. Avery had grabbed his hand two hours ago and had yet to let go.

  Swearing he had no doubt he loved her already he was torn about letting his heart feel this deeply. What if he couldn't stay with her? What the heck was fate thinking if that was the case? Eric hoped and prayed he didn't end up hurting Avery, he cared more than he liked to admit. Falling into being together from being friends was amazing and terrifying all at the same time. He knew her very well and she knew him better than any other person on this planet.

  "I can't believe I fell asleep. Sorry...” she said sheepishly. "Did you miss me?” Avery asked.

  "I guess.” he said raising the hand he was holding and kissed it nipping at her knuckles.

  Avery blushed and her heart raced but she just laughed. She felt so lucky to be his, it was a dream come true for her and she felt the need to pinch herself often because her mind couldn't wrap around the fact that he was finally hers. She had been wondering when they would bond but she did know it will have to wait until they weren't so, on edge. What worried her most was letting herself get used to having him if Lilith was just going to take him away again.

  Truly amazed by what passed between them with a kiss, it was fate, Eric was pretty sure. It hurt that she was a part of him now it wasn’t just his future Lilith was messing with. He could feel her pulse in his veins, and he could feel her emotions strong through their bond. He wouldn't get tired of this new feeling anytime soon either he just hoped they would get the forever that Avery really deserved after all the crap she's been through. He needed to talk to someone who knew their ways and laws but wasn't under Lilith’s thumb. He'd make time to do that as soon as possible, he promised himself, he owed it to himself and Avery.

  'So I was thinking we need to talk to Aaron about how dangerous this trip really is. I don't feel right knowing what we're walking into and all of them being unaware. We also need to train them a little better before we cross the lines. I don't even know what to say to Rhea and Adam but they are involved now.’ he sent Avery silently. 'I think you're right. I'm with you on this. Whatever you need I'm there.’ she sent back.

  Just waking up Aaron had lost all the feeling in his arm but he didn't care. Nia was starting to stir and she cuddled in closer to his chest relieving his arm of its holding duties. His arm tingled where the blood was returning to it. He'd been looking at their promise marks before he fell asleep, they really were pretty awesome when you think about it.

  Feeling her consciousness coming to her slowly Nia smelled Aaron's spicy soap and cologne scent that she couldn't get enough of. She blinked away the haze that wanted to cling to her and reluctantly opened her eyes. The moment she was met with those oddly bright blues all of her reluctance just fell away. How could she want to sleep instead of spend time with him? They needed more time to get know each other better although she had no doubt she could get used to waking up to that look in his eyes. He gave her a slight squeeze and kissed her forehead gently, Nia relished the feel of his soft lips brushing against her skin.

  "We're about to get into a hotel so everybody wake up." Avery said raising her voice a little.

  Darragh hadn't slept a wink he was definitely on high alert which wasn't exactly good as he was feeling some sort of disturbance in the glamour. Since Eric was driving it was his responsibility and he wasn't happy with what he was feeling. By no means did he think they were in immediate danger, but someone was definitely searching for Nia or Aaron or maybe both. He'd need to contact Savannah and he knew Lilith wasn't going to like it one bit, but they did have room for one more and her skills would be extremely beneficial to them all, especially Nia. Tonight he could disappear during or after the meeting with Lilith. They may not get another overnight before crossing the lines.

  Adam and Rhea were out cold and Nia looked at her friends with a smile. She pulled out her phone and took a picture. Rhea had her head on Adam's shoulder and his head rested slightly back but close beside Rhea's and she would be loving the closeness. She hadn't ever really talked a whole lot about how she felt about Adam but Nia knew she had her crush and for a long time too and he was oblivious to it. Maybe the time together would give way to telling h
im or at least talking to Nia about it. If they got together it would definitely make the trip memorable.

  "So everyone needs to room with someone so no one is left alone.” Eric said getting off of the highway finally. Avery had already mapped out the hotel and made sure it had rooms for the night.

  "Let's go in and see what they've got.” Avery said standing right outside the door and stretching. Everyone got off and stretched, then went in to check into the rooms. Sorting it all out they were glad all the rooms opened to the inside of the hotel. They were getting four rooms even though Rhea was seriously a little freaked about being in a room with Adam, but she knew she had to keep him occupied while the others took care of official business. They got an adjoining room to Darragh's and there was also a door linking Nia and Aaron's room to Eric and Avery's. They were all on the same floor and right across the hall from each other. It was early still and the sun had gone down about a half hour ago, so it would be dinner and down time then a meeting with Lilith.