True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  "Cut the crap Lilith, what do you want? You called this meeting, so get on with it." Eric said with his jaw clenching and unclenching like he was seething on the inside.

  "Eric.", she said drawing out his name irritatingly taking steps towards him. He was not prepared to be patronized by her and had no idea if he could control himself.

  Avery came through the door abruptly shocking pretty much everyone. "Hello Lilith.” Avery said crossing her arms.

  "Avery, how nice of you to join us.” she said reinstating her sugary sweet tone.

  "We need to get back on the road, there have been attacks and injuries. We need to get Nia to her aunt as quickly and safely as possible. So if you have things we need to know or that you need to know let's get this over with.” she said to everyone's shock.

  "Well. I certainly don't have anything pressing, I suppose I merely wanted to check in and give you a bit of news.” she said sadly as if she had gotten her feelings hurt.

  "Alana, could you send her in please?” she said directing her attention to the door.

  "Ahh here she is, this is Isabel.” she said as a beautiful tanned woman in guardian blacks entered the office. Her dark hair was pulled tightly into a ponytail, she was tall and lean but Nia could see a hint of muscle. Her brown eyes looked at them appraisingly.

  Darragh came into the room a moment later as if he’d seen a ghost, "Isabel?” he said sounding a bit bewildered and out of breath.

  "Hello Darragh, it's nice to see you again.” she said in her thick but clear Latin accent, her tone was ice cold without so much as sparing him a glance.

  He stood by the door at attention, clearly trying not to seem as weirded out as he indeed was. He took up post there trying to drop whatever had been on his mind.

  Eric narrowed his eyes at Lilith while Nia and Aaron felt the tension in the room spike uncomfortably.

  "This is Nia and Aaron.” Lilith said as Isabel came to stand in front of them with a slight bow.

  "This is Avery Madighan, I believe you knew her sister.” Lilith said with a smirk that Avery wanted to smack right off of her face.

  "Yes, I believe so.", Isabel said smiling and tapping her chin as if she were trying to recall something from eons ago.

  "Well now that we're all acquainted I am pleased to inform you that Isabel will be joining you!” she said like she was announcing that they'd won something.

  Nia was ready to go and this was turning into a big mess. She needed to know why Isabel's very presence had everyone in the room on edge.

  "She was the top of her class and she has been one of my personal guards.” Lilith said as if that would change the tense atmosphere.

  Eric's voice echoed through their minds, 'Everyone needs to relax, we can talk about this later. She won't dismiss us unless everyone clams down.’ he explained mentally trying his best to evenly send out relaxing vibes to his group.

  Darragh left the room abruptly, "I need to speak with Alana.” he said as he exited.

  "The poor dear. His mother has been ill.", Lilith said quietly watching him go.

  Darragh sat on the bench that lined the wall just outside Lilith’s office and stretched an invisible bubble around himself and Alana. 'I need to make this quick, She's sending Isabel with us and I brought in Savannah already.’ He sent as Alana gasped and clutched a hand to her chest.

  'Don't worry Lilith is unaware.’ he assured her as she let out the breath she had begun to hold.

  'Oh, thank heavens.’ she responded relieved.

  'I'm afraid things are going to go abruptly south and soon too.’ he frantically sent to her.

  She pursed her plump pink lips. On more than one occasion Darragh had asked her opinion so she wasn't surprised, 'So that's what she's been cooking up.', Alana sent back to him, 'She's been frantic and wondering what happened because she's quickly losing control of Rian.’ she added informatively.

  'She's sending Isabel to spy.’ she told Darragh sadly.

  'Damn. I will have to speak with everyone telepathically until we figure out what to do. Savannah is going to be irate.’ he said quickly feeling like things were spiraling out of control right now.

  'Perhaps you can take Savannah in a separate vehicle and keep the two of them apart until it's absolutely necessary and deal with Lilith then.' she quickly suggested.

  Darragh nodded sensing the others were coming out. 'Thank you Alana, you always calm me.', he said sending the warmth of his love to her.

  'Be safe brother. I will tell mother I saw you in good health, it will lift her spirits.’ she said as she got up and gave him a small hug quickly returning to her desk.

  ###

  Nia stood awkwardly wishing for this unnecessary prolonging to be over. Aaron shifted on his feet ready for anything as Eric spoke calmly, "If there's nothing more, we will leave now. There's much to bring Isabel up to speed on.” he said slightly bowing in her direction and exiting with Avery close behind.

  "It was a pleasure, Lilith.” Avery said not giving her a glance.

  Lilith quickly composed her rage that was welling up at Avery’s clear disrespect. "Nia my darling, do be safe out there. Let me know if you need anything at all. And you as well dear.” she said in her grating tone, looking pointedly at each of them in turn.

  "Thank you.” Nia said as she plastered a smile on her face and pulled Aaron along, leaving Lilith writhing at their sudden departure.

  She turned to Isabel, "Let me know anything at all that is off about this cozy little group,” she said through clenched teeth.

  "Of course.” Isabel responded.

  "I promise you will be rewarded for your efforts.” Lilith said while Isabel turned and left abruptly, stifling a giggle.

  "Got it,” she said over her shoulder.

  Lilith was fuming, they were hiding things from her and she was furious because she felt it had something to do with her weakening bond with Eric. She was certain Isabel would get to the bottom of it. She was the most devious woman she had ever met and an amazing hunter. Now all she had to do was wait.

  Isabel stepped into the hall and no one was there but Alana. "Where are they?” Isabel asked.

  "Oh, Darragh had some things to pick up. They said they would meet you in fifteen minutes in the parlor. Isabel nodded, "Thank you Alana.” she said.

  ###

  Isabel quickly walked the short distance to the library, she stood there for a moment just watching him. Brennan was very tall and lean, she had never considered him as a mate but that had changed a year ago, after he'd saved her on a mission. She had been hiding her feelings and his from Lilith for fear of the leverage it would give her.

  He turned around slowly his brown hair falling in his brown eyes, "I thought you were gone.” he said as she came and rested her head on his shoulder closing her eyes to memorize the feel of him. Lean muscle and much intellect was what best described her handsome love. He was a researcher and he worked in the archives going on occasional missions as he needed.

  They disappeared before she opened her own hazel eyes. "I have fifteen minutes or so.", she explained.

  "I'm sure they are all freaking out that you have been added to their little group, Darragh especially.” he added pouting.

  "Remember what I told you, my promise is as good as a bond. The past is nothing to me.", she said reassuringly.

  She gently wrapped her arms around his neck giving a slight tug so he would know what she wanted and he complied immediately. His kiss made her insides swirl in delight as he lifted her feet off of the floor. She never knew love like his before, yes, she was still a no holds barred Elite Guardian and Hunter and she was not weak in the slightest. But being with Brennan had changed her, she actually cared about something besides revenge and herself. She knew Lilith called on her because she was reputably ruthless, but that bitter soul was long since dead. She was still fierce but she had no vendettas to fuel her any longer.

  She saw this mission as their way out, "I will see you every night even
if only briefly. Be ready to go at a moment’s notice too. When I come for you it will happen quickly.” she told Brennan taking in his features one more time.

  “I remember everything you told me my love, please don’t worry.” He said and kissed her again.

  ###

  "She will crucify me! Savannah too if she gets the chance!” Darragh hollered pacing in the bubble Eric was projecting.

  "We will figure it out. I can send you in a separate car with blackouts and we can keep Savannah hidden until we have no choice.” Eric said out of breath.

  They had been going round and round about how to refuse Lilith on this but kept coming up empty.

  None of them could afford to be made to take the serum, there was too much at stake. If they made any waves and she suspected anything they would all have to take it or be tried for treason.

  "We have to just go with it." Avery said defeated. "I had to take the serum when Vanna left and it makes you sing like a dang canary.” she added begrudgingly.

  Darragh did his best to compose himself. "You will have to keep her busy when we return so I can tell Savannah.” Darragh told Eric who nodded in agreement.

  “She's coming.” There were deep breaths taken all around as a light knock reverberated on the door.

  Eric opened it with a smile, Isabel stifled yet another giggle. "Okay it's clear no one wants me along on this but I have as much choice as you do. Let's get out of here, before the she dragon calls us all back. Okay?” she said.

  Avery laughed at that, "Okay.", she said looking at Eric.

  He touched the wall and the familiar glow gave Nia a bit of comfort to be getting out of this place. One by one they went through the door Aaron and Nia's hands firmly clasped. Darragh reluctantly took Isabel's hand. "Shall we.” was the last thing Nia heard before blinking awake.

  Getting up after the haze faded Nia checked the time. Aaron followed her close behind. "We're going to get some real sleep. See you all in a few hours,” she informed everyone practically dragging Aaron behind her. All he could do was laugh.

  "Yes, I will be in my room if you need me. Eric I trust you can bring Isabel up to speed.” Darragh said exiting the room as quickly as possible. Isabel was on her feet, she guessed Darragh was in a hurry to just get away from her.

  "Oh-kay.", was Avery's response.

  "Well then, let's get you up to date.” Eric said clapping his hands once then blowing out a breath. Avery brought her laptop up on the big screen TV in the hotel room as they begun the briefing.

  ###

  Darragh knocked roughly on Rhea's door, "You scared the bejeezus out of me!” Rhea said with a smile. "I apologize Miss Rhea. Savannah I need to speak with you. Its urgent.” he said trying to keep his composure. She moved towards the door without question and Rhea placed her hands on her hips,

  "Is everyone okay?” she asked in her demanding way.

  "Oh, yes everyone is fine, Nia and Aaron are in their room. You should go see her or at least give her a call. We will be right next door." he said quickly leaving with Savannah close behind him.

  ###

  "What happened?” Savannah hissed as soon as the door was closed and Darragh clamped a hand over her mouth and extended a bubble.

  Then he looked at her pleadingly as he removed his hand slowly, "Lilith sent Isabel back with us, and I think she was sent to spy on Eric. She was really trying hard to get into all of our minds. She seemed almost desperate.” he said plopping down on his mattress with his head in his hands.

  "So what now? How am I supposed to avoid her?” she asked and got no answer, he was just sitting their wringing his hands.

  "Darragh! Look at me, please.” she pleaded.

  She hated feeling his frustration and fear, she could tell he was scared old feelings would rise up in Savannah and she knew it as he sighed and looked up at her with tears shining in his eyes.

  ###

  Nia flopped back on the bed and Aaron reached for her boots loosening the laces and she was grateful for it. Her body was exhausted and she was sure his was too. Going further he removed her shoes and tried for her socks but she wasn't having it. Quickly Nia sat up and knocked him off balance sending him flailing onto the bed. Giggling she pushed him all the way back and knelt in front of his legs. She removed his shoes and socks in one fell swoop. He was wiggling his toes as she kicked off her socks and got up and laid back down beside him. Sitting up he placed an arm around her waist and pulled her to lay down with him.

  "Oh, no you don't, we’re changing into pajamas! This may be our last comfy night and we are going to enjoy it." he said taking off his jacket and his shirt. Nia smiled and took off her jacket, "Okay?"

  “Okay.” He responded as she grabbed her pajamas and headed for the bathroom. She changed quickly not wanting to waste a minute.

  Coming out of the bathroom with her big t-shirt and barely there shorts Nia found Rhea and Adam sitting on the sofa. Aaron smiled sheepishly with his hands crossed awkwardly across his bare chest.

  "How was your time with Savannah?” Nia asked them going to sit on the bed as Aaron snatched his shirt and tugged it over his head and Nia stared at him in awe.

  "It was fine, no biggie. What happened with you guys? Darragh was plenty frazzled when he came to get Savannah.” she said suspiciously.

  "Oh? I'm pretty clueless on that one, we brought a girl back with us though, Isabel. I'm not sure what the deal is except they say she's a spy for Lilith. Apparently that's bad because Lilith has a thing for Eric and as if that weren't enough. Isabel and Savannah have some beef. It's confusing really.” Nia said with an annoyed expression.

  "Wow! These people have enough drama to do a non-mortal version of Jerry Springer!” Rhea said laughing and Nia and Aaron laughed a bit too as Adam chuckled.

  "Everything is still cool though right?” Adam asked.

  "As good as can be. Everyone needs to get some rest and don't take off your necklaces we need to block Isabel too.” Aaron added.

  "Okay, if anything happens, feel free to invade my brain Nia.” Rhea said seriously.

  "Will do. Guys thank you for going through all of this mess with me." Nia said with tears forming.

  "I love y'all." she said giving a group hug to her best friends.

  "Love you Nia", Adam and Rhea said at the same time.

  And they all three laughed heading towards the door and Adam went out first. "Take care of her Aaron.” Rhea said winking at him while he smiled in response.

  By the time Nia turned around Aaron was again shirtless and climbing into bed. She met his eyes and then smiled. She was really going to get some sleep tonight in the most comfortable place on the planet. Aaron smiled up at her as she climbed into bed and he wrapped his arms around her. They snuggled in and quickly drifted off into a hopefully dreamless sleep.

  ###

  Savannah stared at Darragh’s beautifully haunting eyes as his soul pleaded with her to understand. "I didn't know what to do, I'm sorry.” he said defeated.

  "It's okay really, I'm okay with it, and you would be surprised what time can do. I'm not worried and I will remain hidden but only because of Lilith. Though I want to delve into Isabel's mind to get her reason for being here and Lilith’s orders from her mind. If that’s okay?” she said not really asking. Darragh just nodded.

  The history between Darragh and Isabel was brief but more recent than he would like to admit. He had thought he could trust Isabel and maybe he could find some happiness with her after Savannah had been promised away to another. He had hurt the only woman he would ever love with one alcohol induced stupid night and after that his guilt was all over him. She had told him just how deeply he had cut into her and just walked away. They were making progress now and he was terrified she would leave again.

  He grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart. His voice didn't waiver but the tears escaped his eyes at a steady pace. "My heart beats for you alone. I know I don't deserve you and I am forever reminding myself of that fact
.” he said as tears filled Savannah's eyes.

  "I love you more than my life, more than anything. I will do anything, be anything for you.” he continued then bowed his head taking in a deep breath. Gathering his strength.

  In one swift movement he slit his palm and let his blood drip over the inside of her wrist. "My life is yours, I am bound to you, in life and death I am yours.” he huffed out trembling.

  She stood there shocked but steady, with a palm to his heart. Her wrist in his hand prickled where his blood sizzled on her old markings, "I accept your bond. My life is yours, I am bound to you. In life and death, I am yours.” she said as tears now streamed down her own face. She knelt in front of him now and slit her palm pressing it flat to his.