“Andi?”
“Why do you keep talking to me?” I screamed.
“Andi!” Dalton called, and his hands cupped my face.
I blinked my eyes open and stared up at him. There was no blood, no weird smell, just him, shirtless and delicious, staring down at me. I sat up, threw my arms around his neck, and held on for dear life.
“Hey, baby, I’ve got you,” he whispered, sliding his hand to my neck. “That must have been some dream.”
I nodded, then filled him in on everything.
“No wonder you were screaming.”
“I’m so sorry, Dalt,” I said, still holding him close.
“Don’t apologize, sugar. It’s okay.”
“Did I wake you?”
“Not even close,” he said. “I was checking email and following up on a few things.”
I let out a breath of relief. “You can’t die.”
“I’m not gonna die.”
“How do you know?”
“Because my sister can heal me.”
I leaned back to meet his eyes. “Really? She can heal a gunshot wound to the head?”
He shrugged. “Don’t intend to find out.”
“You better not.”
“How about I shut everything down and sleep in here with you?”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” He chuckled. “And you just let me know if you want me to make the first part of that dream come true.”
I groaned. “Ohmigod, Dalton. Stop.”
He laughed and headed back to his room. I took a few minutes to splash cold water on my face and then once I was back in bed, Dalton climbed in beside me, rolling me to face him so he could kiss me. “I got you, sugar.”
“I know.” I slid my arm around his waist and snuggled closer. “Thanks, honey.”
“My pleasure, baby.” He kissed my forehead. “Sleep.”
Andi
Bíldudalur, Iceland
LIMOS AWAITED US at the tiny airstrip and I grabbed Dalton’s arm as we disembarked.
“You okay?” he asked.
I nodded. “Just a little nervous.”
“I’ve got you.”
I smiled. “I know, honey. I appreciate it.”
We followed Kade down the stairs and Kade headed to the limo in the front while Dalton guided me to the other limo. “We’re not riding with Kade?” I asked.
“Royalty rides separately,” Dalton said.
I giggled. “That just seems silly to me.”
He grinned. “Most things Kade does seem silly to me, so I get it.”
I buckled up and Dalton took my hand. “Is Kaspar like Kade?”
“Surprisingly, yes. Kaspar has been king much longer than Kade, so he’s a little more uptight.”
“I can’t even imagine,” I said, flicking my fingers beside my head. “Mind blown.”
“You’ll love Jess. She tempers Kaz.”
“She’s your friend’s sister, right?”
Dalton nodded. “Cameron Shane. At some point, you’ll meet him too. Good man.”
“You have a lot of really nice friends, Dalt.” I smiled. “It’s something I like the most about you.”
“Thanks, sugar.”
We left the airstrip and drove for a few minutes before we pulled up to what looked like one-hundred-foot, solid-wood gates in the middle of a giant rock wall. The gates opened, and the cars slid smoothly through the opening and onto a paved road between sheer rock walls. The road was just wide enough for two cars to pass one another, but had no room for a shoulder. We arrived at another pair of gates, matching the first, and they opened to allow entry.
A two-foot barrier kept the car from traveling over the edge of the cliff, while on the left, more rock wall was visible as we wound our way up. On the opposite was a clear view of the ocean. It was almost like we were on a different planet.
The cars paused as a giant metal bridge lowered in front of us, and then we were moving again. I couldn’t stop a gasp as a giant stone house appeared before us. It looked like it had been built into the cliff. Four white-washed pillars sat proudly in front, obscuring a porch that ran the entire length of the house.
Kade’s car came to a stop and we pulled up behind it. “Now I’m more nervous,” I admitted.
“Don’t be,” Dalton said. “Seriously. It just looks intimidating.”
I leaned forward for a closer look. “Yes, it really, really does.”
A tall, imposing man walked toward Kade’s car. He was handsome, blond and his smile came quickly. The beautiful woman (also blonde with a quick smile) with him walked toward our car, rather than hanging around to greet Kade.
“That’s Jess,” Dalton said.
The driver opened Dalton’s door and he released me and climbed out, leaning in to take my hand again.
I let him help me out and then I was pulled into strong, but gentle arms for a hug. “Welcome. I’m Jesska.” She jumped away as though she might have offended. “Oh, crap. I forgot about the touching thing. I’m so sorry. I’m a hugger and it took over.”
I giggled. “It’s okay.”
She relaxed. “Oh, good.”
I smiled. Jesska was pregnant. I wasn’t sure if anyone knew yet, or if she even knew, but I saw the baby boy in her belly as though it was on a sonogram.
Jesska hugged Dalton next and then ushered us to where Kaspar and Kade were standing. Before introductions were made, however, two towheaded kids came running out, the boy who looked to be about four, slammed into Kaspar who scooped him up. “Did you escape nanny?” Kaspar asked.
“Já, Papa,” he answered.
“This is Skúli,” Jesska said, nodding to the little boy. “And this little angel in training is Liberty. We made a deal I could name the girls, he’d name the boys. Libby’s halo, however, is a little tarnished, isn’t it, little lady?”
“And crooked,” Liberty provided.
I bit back a laugh as I knelt in front of her. “Well, you look pretty angelic to me. I’m Andi.”
“Hi, Andi. Do you want to see my pony?”
“How about we let them get settled and we can take Andi down to the stables tomorrow,” Jesska suggested.
“Okay, Mama.”
An older woman appeared on the porch and rolled her eyes. “I have found you,” she said, with mock exasperation. “I was sure you were lost forever.”
Liberty giggled. “You’re funny, nanny.”
“Oh, I know,” she agreed. “Come, children. We have lessons then it’ll be time to play before dinner.”
Kaspar set Skúli on the ground, and Jesska handed Liberty off to the nanny. “Thank you, Agatha.”
She curtsied. “Not a problem, Majesty.”
“Come in,” Kaspar invited. “Your bags will be taken to your rooms.”
I slid my hand into Dalton’s and held tight. As we walked inside, I was a little in awe. The stone from the porch carried into the foyer; however, it was intermixed with river rock. Staircases up each side of the wall met in the middle and created a landing overlooking the open space. To the left were tall double doors, and a matching pair to the right. Kaspar and Jesska led us past a music room on the right, then a room on the left with a few antique-looking sofas and chairs. We arrived at a large great room with picture windows overlooking a garden with sweeping views of the ocean.
“Your home is beautiful,” I said, making my way to the windows.
“Thanks,” Jesska said. “I had to de-stuffy it. Kaspar used to be a terrible bore before he met me.”
Kaspar raised an eyebrow toward her, but didn’t comment.
“I’m right and you know it,” Jesska retorted.
“Já, elskan, I will admit the home needed to be warmed up a little.”
I giggled. “Well, you did a good job.”
“I’m going to help with the food, I’ll be right back,” Jesska said.
Dalton wrapped an arm around my waist and smiled down at me. “You good?”
I nodde
d, glancing behind him. Kade and Kaspar were deep in conversation, so I pulled Dalton further away from earshot. “Jesska’s pregnant,” I whispered.
“She is?”
I nodded. “I saw it when she hugged me. I don’t know if she knows yet.”
“You okay?”
“Oh, that? That was nothing.” I smiled. “Plus, it was a happy vision without any of the other senses needing to come into play.”
Dalton chuckled as he pulled me close and kissed my temple. “Good.”
“You’re right, Jesska’s awesome.” I met his eyes. “Kaspar isn’t more uptight than Kade, though.”
“Oh, he is, trust me.”
I rolled my eyes.
Jesska returned, followed by a line of staff delivering all manner of delicious looking eats. I was suddenly ravenous, even though I’d eaten on the plane.
The rest of the afternoon was spent getting to know Kaspar and Jesska and their family. Before dinner, Jesska walked me up to my room and I was struck by the total opulence.
The large bedroom had wide-planked hardwood floors, the outer walls were made of the same stone from the mountain and two large windows showed the sheer beauty of the ocean. The large, ornately carved bed, sat across from the windows so your first view would be of the ocean. There was a well-equipped en-suite bathroom and a huge closet that seemed overkill for a guest room. “It’s beautiful, Jesska, thank you.”
Jesska smiled. “It’s my pleasure. Dalton’s right next door. Your closets actually connect.”
“That’s really cool.”
“If you and Dalton want to take a walk around the property, let me know and I’ll send someone to guide you.”
“I would really just like a nap,” I admitted. “I never get to do that at home.”
“Perfect,” Jesska said. “Your bags have been unpacked, so for now, I’ll leave you to rest. Dinner’s at six, so someone will wake you around five.”
“Thanks, Jess. Your home is beautiful.”
She hugged me. “Thanks. We’re so glad you’re here.”
She left the room, closing the door behind her and I decided to take advantage of the tub. It was claw-foot and large. Exactly what I needed.
Andi
THE NEXT MORNING, Dalton and I met outside our rooms to walk to breakfast together.
“Are you nervous about today?” Dalton asked.
“Meeting what was believed to be the last living Oracle… who, in fact, was actually believed to be dead?” I shivered. “Not in the slightest,” I lied.
“Don’t be nervous,” he said. “I’ve got you.”
“He could kill you just by looking at you,” I pointed out.
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t look at me, then.”
“Smartass.”
“That’s Mr. Smartass to you, ma’am.”
I giggled and kissed him quickly. Just after breakfast, we gathered in the great room because Kaspar said he had invited the last living Oracle. The man of the hour arrived a few minutes after the dishes had been cleared away.
“Haddi Agnarsson,” the butler announced.
I heard Kade’s audible gasp and then a tall man walked in and both Kade and Kaspar bowed before him. I glanced at Dalton, then Jesska, both of whom also bowed, so I did what they did, totally out of my comfort-zone.
Haddi was tall and lanky, with salt and pepper hair, deep blue eyes and a kind look about him. He looked to be in his sixties, but Pierce Brosnan type good-looks… the kind that didn’t age.
“Kade,” Haddi said, pulling him in for a hug. “You have done well.”
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Kade said, a bit like a kid meeting his hero.
Haddi chuckled. “Some days, neither can I.”
I was frozen to the spot as he greeted Kaspar and Jesska, then turned his gaze to me. “Andrea.”
I gasped. “You know my name?”
“I know all of you.”
“All of us?”
He smiled. “I have ordered all the Oracles to awaken.”
“There are more?” I asked.
“Já.”
“I don’t understand,” I whispered.
He smiled and waved to the sofas. “Shall we sit and I will explain?”
I swallowed and searched for Dalton who was standing beside Kade. I needed him near me. Luckily, he seemed to read my mind and closed the distance between us.
“You’re okay,” he whispered, kissing my temple.
I gripped his hand like it was a lifeline and let him pull me onto the sofa beside me.
“We are no longer in danger,” Haddi began, and nodded to Kade. “Your father is controlled, yes?”
“Aye,” Kade confirmed. “I’d ask how you know he’s alive, but that would be a stupid question.”
Haddi chuckled. “Since your father is no longer a threat, and your mother never was, I felt it well past time to bring the Oracles together, so to speak.”
“For what purpose?” I asked.
“We are needed,” he said.
“We are?”
“Já. One of the reasons the Cauld Ane have been dealing with so much conflict over the centuries, is because they’ve not had the guidance of the Oracles. However, it was never safe for them, so they had to stay hidden… even to themselves. I have been available to the Kalt Einn, but now I need help. I can’t be in all places at all times.”
“But I’m a nobody,” I pointed out. “Just a divorced registered nurse who can’t figure out what I’m doing for dinner, let alone help guide someone else’s life.”
“That’s entirely untrue.”
I snorted. “Nope, it’s sadly accurate.”
“You were placed in a family of degenerates because it was your job to stop a monster. You did that.”
“Not soon enough.”
Haddi smiled. “Exactly soon enough, Andrea. Pepper had to go through that because it’s what her path called for.”
“Her path called for her to be attacked?” Dalton snapped.
Haddi raised his hand and shook his head. “I know you don’t understand. It’s not for you to understand, but if Pepper had not gone through what she did, and had you not been there to stop it, she wouldn’t have been able to see Connall.”
I felt Dalton stiffen and squeezed his knee. “You stopped Jet, honey.”
He relaxed, and I focused back on Haddi again. “So, you’re saying I was supposed to go through hell?”
“You were protected.”
“How exactly was I protected?” I snapped. “He attacked me as well.”
“Did he succeed?”
He didn’t… not really. Any time Jet had put his hands on me, it was for brief seconds before something or someone stopped him. I always chalked it up to coincidence, even divine interference; I just always believed the divine interference was God.
I shook my head. “He didn’t,” I conceded.
“You stopped him.”
“How?”
“Think.”
I frowned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I won’t give this to you, Andrea. You must figure it out yourself. You will, just give it time.”
I took a deep, frustrated breath.
“I have something for you,” Haddi said, and pulled a charred piece of paper from his pocket. “Before I give this to you—”
“Ohmigod,” I rasped, interrupting him. “Where did you get that?”
“You tried to burn it. I work with ashes,” he said, and handed me the letter I’d thrown in the fire so many years ago.
I blinked at the list written on Gran’s paper in my hands. “No, this can’t be.”
“What is it?” Dalton asked.
I felt heat rush my face and glanced at Haddi who grinned. “Oh, stop,” I said, avoiding looking at Dalton.
“I haven’t said a word,” Haddi said, a goofy grin still on his face.
“Andi?” Dalton pressed.
“I’ll explain later,” I said, still unabl
e to look at Dalton. Meeting Haddi’s eyes again, I asked, “What does this mean?”
“It means your soul mate is whoever you were thinking of when you wrote that.”
“Shut up,” I hissed. “How would you know that?”
“I didn’t have to know. You knew. But when you discarded it, it was put into my care until you were ready to believe.”
I bit my lip. My mind was on Dalton the entire time I was writing the stupid thing. “So, are you saying I sabotaged my own life?”
“In a sense,” Haddi confirmed. “You allowed insecurity to overtake you and you settled. If you’d waited, you would have had your soul mate sooner. You see, he was forced to take another path because you did.”
“I couldn’t possibly have had the power to change the destiny of Dalton’s life.” As soon as I said it, Dalton stiffened again.
“Excuse me?” he asked.
I groaned and dropped my face into my hands.
“Did you just say Andi and I are soul mates?” Dalton asked. I kept my face buried.
“Já,” Haddi confirmed.
“Well, whaddya know?” Dalton droned, sarcastically. “Can I see what you wrote?”
“No,” I said, and frowned at him.
“Why not?”
“Because.” Dalton chuckled, and I turned back to Haddi. “So where do I fall in all of this? Am I Cauld Ane… or Kalt Einn?”
Haddi shook his head. “You are… more.”
“More?”
“Já. You’re, in a word, both. You will live longer than either and you have powers they don’t.”
“I have powers? What kind of powers?” I raised an eyebrow. “Can I make Dalton bend to my will?”
“You don’t need special powers to do that, sugar,” he retorted.
Haddi chuckled. “The majority of your powers will manifest once you’re bound, but others will show when they are most needed. Your Oracle way is dreams, which I’m sure you’ve already figured out.”
I nodded.
“Has bonding been explained?”
I blushed again. “Dalton gave me a fly-by description.”
“As an Oracle, you will bind your mate.”
Jesska gasped. “Wait… I thought only the men could bind their women.”
Written on my Heart Page 12