Testing Fate

by Belinda Boring

  It placed a leg forward as if to step. With the fading light, I could barely distinguish what looked like a furred paw. When it placed it firmly on the ground, shifting its weight to move another, it lowered its head and I caught a glimpse of its eyes flashing. The beast was still too far away, but there was no mistaking its evaluation. It studied me in the same way, looking for strengths and weaknesses.

  It paused and I heard the loud sniff as it tested the air. More growls followed and it took another step closer, obviously attracted to whatever it smelled.

  My blood. It smells my blood, I thought. I quickly rubbed at the thin lines of dried blood. The flakes fell and it definitely caused a reaction. The beast briefly stopped, swaying from side to side as if deciding what the next course of action would be.

  Please don’t charge, please don’t charge, I inwardly chanted. Careful not to make any noise or sudden movement, I eased my hands down to my side and around my body. If the creature was going to attack, I needed some kind of weapon. It may not be ideal but the thorns pricking my fingers might do the trick—at least enough to stun it, so I could climb the hedge and call for help.

  Just as I tried snapping off the first thorn, the creature snarled low. I froze on the spot and willed it to keep its distance. It almost sounded like a gun shot when the thorn broke away in my hand, my hearing hyper sensitive. I would need to have lightning fast reflexes to make this work. One good jab in the eyes would hopefully blind it.

  Armed, I stared again at whatever was still hidden in the shadows. This thing wouldn’t get the best of me. It wouldn’t rob me of my victory. All I needed was a chance or I’d die trying.

  Whether it was a break in the clouds or just luck, the darkness shifted and caused extra light to filter in, revealing more of my attacker. I could see it was an animal, and when it took its predatory step closer, I gasped. I knew exactly what I was facing now.

  A wolf.

  As it fully emerged from concealment where I could fully see it, I gasped a second time.

  This wasn’t just any wolf. It was my wolf—the beautiful creature whose spirit resided in me. I didn’t know what kind of magic this was, but I was staring at the very creature that brought me power, fulfillment, and joy.

  I kept still as she stalked toward me. She was bigger, much bigger than she appeared when we changed. There was a hard set to her eyes, intelligence blazing from their depths along with aggression. Paired together, our natures balanced each other, my humanity with her wildness. Separated, I didn’t know if I could reach her.

  Devlin’s words from yesterday came back to me, reminding me to be in the moment. I needed to let everything else wash away—doubt, confusion, any form of perceived hostility. I couldn’t appear a threat to her and I dropped the thorn. Facing my palms toward her, I lowered my gaze, tilting my head forward in submission.

  Hearing her approach, I steadied my heart rate and a surreal calmness washed over me. There was no need to be afraid. She knew me and I knew her. Even though this was a bizarre test, ultimately there was trust between us and it would trump whatever she was feeling. I focused on that trust, stripping everything else away until finally she was right before me, her snout inches away from my face.

  My heart soared being so close to her. My hands itched to bury themselves into her soft, thick fur. I wanted to hug her, tell her how much I missed her being a part of me, that I was sorry she was alone.

  I did none of that. Instead I remained painfully still, allowing her to make the first move of acceptance. It seemed like forever passed as we stood like statues. She bumped me with her nose, testing me. Next she sniffed at my arms, the remnants of blood still attracting her. I didn’t flinch as her rough tongue licked my skin, the cuts stinging. I kept myself open to her inspection.

  A soft whimper and the relaxing of her body told me I could look up. Gone was the aggressive beast that had terrified me. Instead my beloved friend and protector sat on her haunches and I threw my arms around her neck, burying my face into her fur.

  “I miss you,” I whispered and she nodded. The last few hours had really driven that realization home for me. Not being able to feel her or draw on her strength had been an eye opening and I was determined to never take her for granted again. “Hopefully I’ll be done with the trial soon and we’ll be reunited for good.”

  My wolf pulled back and I lovingly stroked the side of her face. I couldn’t believe how I’d mistaken her for some savage creature. She seemed to understand my heart and she lifted her paw, resting it on my shoulder.

  “Will you walk with me the rest of the way? I need to complete this task,” I asked.

  She slanted her head to the right and dropping her leg, nudged at something behind me. The hedges began to tremble before slowly sliding open to reveal the center of the maze. Nudging me into action, I crossed over the now empty space into a well groomed garden.

  I turned to thank her but she’d disappeared. I was alone, again.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed the second test.” I jumped as Lakhesis spoke. She stepped away from a fragrant rose bush, her hand gracefully trailing over the petals as she left. “Not many would’ve had the courage you showed. Especially not at the end.”

  “Is it the same for everyone?” I queried, gazing back where I’d come.

  “In essence, yes. Regardless of what each person faces, our greatest enemies are often ourselves. It isn’t until we face our fear and doubt, conquering the obstacles placed in our path, that we truly find our worth. Have you not questioned the duality you carry within you, the humanity and the beast? Where does one begin and the other end? Can you ever be completely balanced?”

  “Balance comes with trust,” I whispered and the truthfulness of the statement sent shivers over my own skin. “As long as I can trust in myself, trust in the bond I hold with my wolf, we can conquer anything.”

  It was Lakhesis’ turn to nod, her smile showing that I’d understood the significance of the trial. “You received a valuable lesson here, Darcy. One I hope you will always carry with you and never forget.” She gestured for me to approach, holding her hand out. “As I mentioned, many have gone before you and shrank away. They lacked the conviction you innately possess. They failed to look within themselves. They didn’t recognize that everything they will ever need to succeed in life has been theirs since birth. They need only look inward and embrace it.”

  I placed my hand in her outstretched one and took one last survey of the maze. At the squeeze of her fingers, I took in a breath before being escorted back to the suite.

  “Devlin?” I called out the moment I materialized. I was eager to fill him in on everything, but he was nowhere to be found. The clock on the wall showed many hours had passed—so many that he may have become restless waiting and gone exploring.

  Kicking off my shoes, I padded over to the nearest couch and collapsed onto it. The cushioned seat felt luxurious on my weary body and I groaned loudly. My brain told me I should really go looking for him, but my muscles screamed for me to stay where I was. Letting out a long sigh, I propped up my legs, the decision made.

  A folded piece of paper lay on the coffee table and I shifted to retrieve it. The elegant scrawl told me it was from Devlin, informing me that my guess was right. He’d been unsure when I’d be back and became tired of pacing back and forth. He promised he’d return in time for me to debrief him. I chuckled and tossed the letter onto the table.

  You must be the only person I know that always has to be doing something. I imagined saying to him, trying to remember the last time I’d ever seen him just kick back and relax. Even in social gatherings, he was alert—the mark of a great enforcer. It made me worry a little for him, but he would have it no other way. He loved his life, I loved him, and as long as he was happy, so was I.

  Well, I’m here, Devlin, time to debrief you. I laughed again, closing my eyes as I rested my head against the couch. The room was still, only a faint
ticking from the clock and it began lulling me into a soft sense of calmness. Snuggling into a more comfortable position, I told myself I’d just rest my eyes, but it didn’t take long before I was asleep.

  “Hello, sweetheart.”

  Strong arms encircled my waist, pulling me back into a hardened body. My heart raced with excitement and a slow smile covered my face as I closed my eyes. I leaned into the embrace and curled my hand around his neck, securing myself to him.

  His low husky voice dripped with seduction and caused a warm feeling to pulse through my veins. Hot breath teased at my ear before my skin erupted with goosebumps from the soft kisses being feathered down my neck.

  I gripped onto his arm, my nails scratching his flesh when his free hand slipped under my loose shirt. I liked the way his fingers grazed and caressed—slow and methodical—leaving a shimmer of heated energy in its wake.

  I twirled around, eager to look into his eyes. I wanted to see whose voice, with two simple words, caused my arousal to spike. He let me turn easily, cocooned safely in the frame of his arms and I gasped at the sight.

  It was him again. His dark hair fell just above the brow line and startling blue eyes that held a mischievous sparkle. His features could’ve been chiseled from the finest marble, strong jaw line, but that’s not where I focused. His lips curled into a sexy grin and I wanted them on mine.

  My thumb traced the outline of his mouth, his bottom lip full. I almost melted on the spot when he caught me by surprise, nipping at it before quickly stroking with his tongue. He groaned with satisfaction and the sound did something to my stomach.

  “Take what you want, Darcy,” he whispered and I searched his face for his meaning.

  “Who are you?” The stranger still looked familiar but my heart reminded me there was no way I’d ever forget a man like this, no way my body would let me. It was a riot of sensations—curiosity, desire, and an overwhelming rightness. I might not know him but I couldn’t deny the way he made me feel.

  It was his turn to place his fingers over my mouth. “Shush. Don’t talk.”

  I tried to speak again but he seized the moment and crushed his lips over mine. I wasn’t ready for the fiery storm that sizzled through my veins when his tongue touched mine. I don’t think I could have ever been prepared.

  The kiss stole my breath. He tightened his arm around my waist as his hand held my head firmly. Applying a masterful pressure, there was no denying him access and I welcomed the way he deepened his assault. I wanted it—wanted him—his taste causing me to moan into his mouth.

  I rose onto my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck. I hung on as if my very life depended on it. I gave myself over to the moment to being so thoroughly kissed it would ruin me for all future suitors. I would crave this now, chasing it like a drug addict does his first high. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to be locked in this embrace, with this man, forever.

  Whatever awareness I was able to maintain told me I was being carried, but the seal of our mouths never broke. The passionate spark that almost consumed me had ebbed into a slow, languid whisper, his lips moving leisurely, yet deliberately. The change in tempo almost destroyed my composure, and when I finally felt myself being placed on a soft, cushioned surface, I pulled away reluctantly. A second longer and I would’ve drowned.

  I welcomed the weight of his body as he covered me. Again, it felt so right, like we were made for each other, the perfect fit.

  “Who are you?” I murmured, my heart thumping wildly. I stared longingly at his mouth, wanting to return there. He held power over me, this mystery man. I couldn’t keep from touching his face. My fingertips tingled from the contact.

  He nuzzled into my neck and my body arched up into his. There was no answering questions and no thinking while his mouth was applying pressure to all the right places. Somehow he knew what I liked, how to make me respond a certain way, how to ignite my passion.

  “You know who I am,” he answered against my fevered skin.

  His hand reached for the bottom of my shirt and slowly began lifting it to expose my stomach. The movement was like sweet torture, paired with his seductive descent to sample the skin there. My breath hitched at the first circled brush of his tongue.

  Something fluttered in my mind, a name. It stirred before settling, just beyond my reach. I struggled to capture it but it lay enshrouded in fog. The more I pushed the more elusive it became. It was the name of the man who was turning me inside out from his mere touch.

  “Tell me your name,” I asked, my voice coated with urgency. My hands buried themselves in his hair and I tightened my fists when he gripped my hips.

  “Search your heart,” he murmured between placing wet kisses. His fingers slid underneath the waistband of my pants, moving back and forth.

  His name teased me again and then my mind locked completely down as I dragged his body up mine. My mouth sought his and the resulting kiss was one of blistering intensity, as we branded each other’s souls . . .

  My body was on fire, my skin glistening with sweat. Then my eyes flew open. Wide awake, I could still feel the pressure of his lips on mine and the places where his hands caressed me. I sat up panting and pushed my hair out of my face.

  “Wow!” I exclaimed to the empty room, desperately trying to control my racing heartbeat. I wasn’t a stranger to erotic dreams, but this . . . this was beyond anything I’d ever experienced. Flashes filled my mind, rekindling my desire, as I remembered smoldering blue eyes that had mesmerized me. If only he was real.

  Tangled by my feet, I found a blanket Devlin must have lain over me and I kicked it to the floor, attempting to stand. There was a fevered heat pulsating through my veins that set my insides trembling. I was energized—aroused beyond belief.

  What the heck was that? I stammered, rubbing my face and staring at the chair. The dream had been so incredibly vivid, nothing short of a cold shower would douse its effects.

  “You okay, Darcy?” Devlin’s voice floated toward me from his room. I really didn’t want to explain why I was standing in shock, tousled from sleep and blushing fifty shades of red. I had to think quickly or my lack of response would bring him into the main room. Some things didn’t need to be shared between friends, even close friends.

  “I’m fine. I think I’m going to go for a run.” It was a natural response, one I would’ve given any other time. Except this time, I didn’t have my wolf.

  “Jogging at this hour? Are you sure you’re okay? Wait a second and I’ll come with you.” I heard movement and sounds of him getting dressed. I didn’t bother waiting. I headed straight for the door.

  “It’s all right. I won’t be long!”

  Closing the door behind me, I fled down the hallway, bursting out into the approaching dawn.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The cool night air did little to slake the effects of the dream. The slight breeze served as a reminder of his soft caresses, and no matter how many laps I circled around the spacious gardens, the images wouldn’t release their grip from my mind.

  My body, my spirit, my heart yearned for the stranger.

  I pushed myself faster, giving over to the rhythmic and steady beat of my feet hitting the gravel. I let go until I came to an abrupt stop, gasping for air. Finding myself close to the path leading into the surrounding woods, what I desperately wanted to do was to shift. I cussed under my breath. The one thing I knew that could still the uproar inside me had been banished from me. No wolf equaled no change.

  Dropping to the grass, I lay on my back and stared up at the stars. They were slowly fading away as the sky lightened and I let out a tired sigh. The new day marked the arrival of another test, one I wasn’t in any frame of mind to complete, but would do it anyway. The sooner I was done, the sooner I could go home and the mystery of why I was here would be revealed.

  “This must be some secret,” I spoke into the dawn. “Something important.”

  I rested my arm over my eyes and simply breathed. Right now it was
the only thing I could control. Noises from the tree line tugged on my awareness, creatures moving about and birds twittering low. I wanted the simplicity of my life back.

  “It is of vital importance, Darcy.”

  I was slowly getting used to the sudden appearances of the Moirai, this time it was Klothos who spoke. Fabric rustled before I heard her sit down beside me. I waited for her to elaborate further, but she seemed lost in her own thoughts as much as I was.

  “Does it bother you not to fully understand? To be without certain memories?” She finally asked.

  Sitting up, I crossed my legs and faced her. “Of course it does. No one likes facing uncertainty without all the details. I trust Devlin when he tells me I chose this course, but it doesn’t stop moments where I doubt. I am human, after all.”

  “Part human,” she inserted.

  “Human for all intents and purposes. I think if there’s anything I don’t like about this whole situation, its being divided from my wolf. We’ve been together since I was born. It feels unnatural not to have that constant connection.”

  “I apologize. It was a needed condition. One to ensure a true evaluation.” There was a touch of sadness to her voice.

  “I can accept that. I keep reminding myself that it’s only for a brief period and at the end everything will be returned. Hopefully it’ll make sense then and will have been worth it.”

  “Do you doubt that? That your decision to complete the trials was a mistake?”

  “I don’t think so. I mean, I’m pretty confident I knew exactly what I was signing up for and believed it wholeheartedly. Devlin would never have let me do something foolish, so obviously the reason was a powerful one. I just don’t know what.” I stared into the woods, the air changing as the sun begun rising. “I hope I’m strong enough to face whatever else you have planned for me. I want to prove my worth.”