Maybe Fate: A Novel (New Adult Paranormal Romance)

by Brint, Cynthia

  “Get the hell out of here,” he mumbled, scooting along the wall away from me.

  Cracking my knuckles, I resisted the urge to follow after him. “Waiting for someone? Gale, perhaps?”

  “It's none of your business,” he growled, staring off towards where I knew the park was.

  Following his gaze, my pale eyes studied the trees as they waved in the distance. “On the contrary, it's certainly my business. Were you hoping to get some time alone to talk with her, to whisper some lies in her head without me around?”

  I didn't expect the sly grin he shot over at me. “Actually, her and I caught up earlier.”

  Keeping my smile steady, I lifted my eyebrows an inch. “Did you, now. And how did that go for you?”

  His grin faltered, which was a pleasure all its own.

  “Not so well, I take it,” I sighed. “What were you trying to do to the poor girl?”

  “Nothing,” he growled, a childish nature to his hunched shoulders. “Just tried to tell her how dangerous you and your Mistress were.”

  Scratching at my cheek, I glanced off to the side. “Much worse than you and your Corpse King, I'm sure.”

  “Of course we're better!” Those enraged eyes, yellow as saffron, narrowed at me. “Unless you're going to try and tell me that your Queen isn't planning something terrible for Gale.”

  I couldn't tell you that, actually, I thought to myself. I'm not positive what she wants to do, if anything.

  Instead of admitting any of that, I just shrugged. “Why do you even care?”

  Ethlyn turned away, his profile sharp with how tight his jaw was clenched. Intrigued, I slid closer to him, my voice a whisper. “Are you sitting here, waiting for Gale, because your Master told you to? Or is there possibly more going on?”

  Once more, he gave my silence. I could see the way his hands were gripping the stone wall.

  “For that matter,” I said, tilting my head to one side. “I've been wondering, why did you change your name to something like 'Ethan?'”

  The twaelin kept glowering, the sound of his breathing reaching my ears. I could feel the rippling in his energy, the way his anger grew. Twaelin couldn't feed off of the emotion of each other, but that didn't matter.

  It was still satisfying to see him riled up.

  “Is it perhaps some misguided attempt to seem more human?” I mused out loud.

  His fist came around, clearly aiming for my head. Smoothly, I leaned away, his knuckles tickling me with a breeze as they went by. Sliding from the wall, I landed on the ground with my hands in my pockets.

  Ethlyn bared his teeth, pushing his face to the limit. “Shut up! What the hell do you know about any of that?”

  Glancing around, I felt the wash of confused nerves from nearby students who had witnessed the attempted assault. “What, indeed?” I asked, looking at him with a sideways smile.

  He caught the warning in my look, his face twisting in frustrated guilt. Turning back, he once more stared out into the distance.

  The crowd, seeing nothing more was going to happen, went about their day again.

  Sidling up closer to Ethlyn, but not near enough to risk him hitting me again, I dropped my voice. “Did you make the name up, or was it the name of the boy you killed when you changed?”

  “I didn't kill anybody,” he responded, eyeing me with that familiar distaste. “Not all twaelin have to be as brutal as you.”

  “That's a bit judgmental, the only person I've been brutal against has been you, and you're the one who was always looking for the fight. Besides,” I shrugged, “it isn't like you stay dead, what's the problem? Pride?”

  He gripped the wall like it was a lifeline. “It's been a long time since then, do you want to see if you're still as good as you think?”

  “Not right now, destroying you is pointless. It has been some time, though, since the last.” Chuckling, I gave him a knowing look. “Back on that topic. That isn't your default body, I noticed it when you attacked me a few nights ago. If you didn't consume a human to get it, please explain your secret to me.” If he didn't kill and absorb someone to gain that form he's wearing, what did he do?

  Ethlyn glared at me, but we were interrupted before he could spit out whatever insult he'd been planning.

  “Hey! Hey, you guys!”

  Turning, we watched as Becky bounced our way. She was dressed in a short coat with the hood up, reminding us all that the rain could fall any minute. “Hey,” she said again, teeth flashing with her bright smile. A smile that was, surely, planted firmly on Ethlyn. “Ethan, Nethiun, I'm glad I found you guys. Have you seen Gale?”

  “Earlier,” Ethlyn said, viewing Becky with only partial interest. Again, he stared out at where the park was.

  I was clever enough to know that Gale had to be out that way. Ethlyn was telegraphing his unconscious thoughts like a beacon.

  “Oh,” Becky said, a strong vibe of unease rolling off of her. She was staring at the twaelin, making it obvious she wanted his attention. “Uh, well, where did she go off to?”

  Shrugging, he didn't bother to look her way. “I don't know, why?”

  Goodness, that's some odd behavior for someone who was all over the girl last night.

  Becky clearly thought so, too. Frowning, her hands gripped her hips as her tone drawled with irritation. “Because I was going to see if you all wanted to go out to the festival tonight. I thought it would be fun.”

  Smiling, I gave the curly haired girl an attentive squint. “A festival, that does sound fun.”

  Nodding, she flicked her eyes between me and Ethlyn, pouting solidly. “Yeah, I thought so too. But I need to find Gale, to ask her if she—oh!” Pointing, she waved her arm at a figure walking our way across the grass. “There she is! Hey! Gale!”

  I lit up, spotting the red-head as she wandered our way. She'd seen us for sure, her expression melting from mild relief, to unease.

  The cloud of vibrant emotions dancing around her like a delicious feast, it was easy to tell she was looking at me. What's all that about? Last I saw her, she was angry I was leaving. Covertly, I glanced at Ethlyn. Oh yes, that's right. He mentioned he'd been meddling.

  With some disdain, I saw he was eyeing her, too. The look on his face reminded me of a puppy who was hoping for a treat. I didn't like it one bit.

  Clearing my throat, long strides took me across the commons to meet Gale on the green slope. As I passed Ethlyn, I shot him a warning glare.

  “Nethiun,” Gale said when I closed in, her brows crawling upwards. With glee, I watched them fly to her hairline when I leaned down, fastening the top button of her jacket.

  “You should be careful,” I said soothingly, looking her straight in the face. “You don't need to get sick from this weather, hm?”

  The blush that spread through her porcelain skin was wonderful. I could almost hear her heart. I could certainly feel the giant, pulsing clouds of excitement and anxiety she advertised.

  Swallowing, she didn't pull away. “Th—thanks. Uh, what's going on? Why is everyone here, were you guys waiting for me?”

  Shrugging, I stood up and glanced over my shoulder. Becky looked delighted by the show I'd put on, but Ethlyn couldn't hide his fury. “Your friend there, Becky, she was looking for you. Apparently she wants to go to some festival tonight.”

  Gale nodded slowly, seeming to understand. “Oh, right. I guess she would. But what about Ethlyn—Ethan—whatever,” she sighed. “Why is he here?”

  “No doubt following you.”

  Staring around me at the gold-eyed twaelin, she reached out, touching my arm. It surprised me, enough that I turned back to face her fully. “Listen, Nethiun. I need to talk to you.”

  “Then talk,” I sa
id, blinking at her seriousness.

  Shaking her head, she smoothed her hair self-consciously. “There's too much to say here, especially with those two waiting right over there for us to come back. We can do it later, but...” Looking up at me, she parted her glossy lips, then bit the bottom one. “Nethiun, I met Ethlyn's Master. I met the Corpse King.”

  My smile vanished. “You did.” He came out so boldly like that? My mind was buzzing with the thing I truly wanted to know, though. “What did he say to you?”

  She didn't answer at first. Letting her hand drift from me, she lowered her eyes. “The same things Ethlyn did. That the Queen of Dreams, your Mistress, is dangerous.” Gale met my emotionless face. “That you're dangerous, Nethiun.” Then she slipped around to walk towards Becky.

  Valenforth and his servant, both working against me. Lovely. Following her with my eyes, I soon followed her with my feet, too.

  Becky jumped on the girl, hugging her with elation. “Gale! Hey, listen. I have a great idea for tonight.”

  “The Fall festival,” Gale answered, disengaging from her friend with a little laugh. “I know, Nethiun mentioned it just now.”

  Her dark hair whirled when Becky shot a look at me. “Blech, ruining the announcement for me. Fine fine fine.” Clasping her hands, she leaned in close to the shorter girl. “So, here's my idea. Double date?”

  Watching Gale's face drop into one of discomfort, how she covertly looked my way, then pointedly back at Becky... it made me grin.

  “Oh, Becky, I uh.” Lifting her hand, trying to shield her words from other ears, she hissed at the girl. “That's a bit much.”

  “Oh, it is not,” she replied. Looking my way, Becky gave me a huge pout. “You'd just love going out with Gale tonight, wouldn't you? Nethiun?”

  It was too easy to not go along with.

  Sidling in close, I placed a hand on Gale's shoulder. “I'd love nothing more.”

  Gale's emotions, her energy, it went wild.

  So, too, did Ethlyn's.

  “Great!” Becky cheered, copying me as she skipped over to the other twaelin. Her fingers coiled around his upper arm, her lips springing into a giant smile. “How about it, Ethan?”

  Under my touch, I felt Gale stiffen. Curiously, I glanced down at her. Those intense, thoughtful grey eye of hers were staring hotly at Ethlyn. Without hiding her intent, she pushed my fingers off of her.

  She's actually considering the warnings, isn't she? I didn't think Becky noticed, not with the way she was fluttering her lashes devotedly up at Ethlyn. The twaelin had, though, and his smugness was aimed at me.

  Sliding off the wall, Ethlyn shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “Yeah. I'll go.”

  As Becky cheered, Gale seemed torn between feeling nervous, or feeling defeated.

  Finally, the red-head spun away. “Just let me stop at the dorm to drop my backpack off, at the very least.”

  When we talk later, I have a feeling it will be about more than just the Corpse King.

  Chapter 13.

  Gale Everette

  Despite the dark clouds hanging threateningly over our heads, downtown was a world of bright lights and ear blistering screams of cheer.

  I knew little about the Fall festival, I'd lived hours away from the area before starting college. But really, every festival was generally the same when you got down to it.

  There were people playing live music on the sidewalks, and vendors trying to get us to buy whatever random thing they were selling.

  Often, it was balloons or sparklers.

  Staring across the street at a man handing out the little dazzling sticks to kids, it gave me a chilling reminder of the last time I'd seen them.

  “Are you alright?” Becky asked me, pulling me from my heavy thoughts.

  Putting on a weak smile, I nodded so hard me hair bounced around. “Fine, just fine.” When she squinted harder at me, I held up my hands. “Seriously, I'm really okay! I was just staring into space.”

  I didn't think she believed me, but she turned away and focused on Ethlyn. “Want to go get some hot chocolate from over there?”

  Carefully, I tried to get the twaelin to look at me. However, he avoided my gaze. I just don't want him to lead her on, is that so much to ask?

  With my current problems, my worries over Nethiun and his Mistress, I was focusing in on the tiny thing I thought I could change. Ethlyn had said he'd stop pursuing Becky, but the caveat about how my roommate was head-over-heels for him was coming into play in front of me.

  Ethlyn lifted his hands, palms up. “Sure, why not?”

  That was good enough for Becky. Grabbing his elbow, she tugged him across the crowded street, ignoring the honks of car horns.

  Huffing out a large billow of steam in the cold air, I went to chase after them, ready to keep giving Ethlyn the evil eye. A hand, strong and agile, coiled around my wrist.

  “Hey,” I chirped, shooting daggers back at Nethiun and his giant smile. “Let me go, I need to go make sure those two don't go off alone.”

  “They've already been alone,” he said, not releasing his hold. “Why are you so set on interrupting them?”

  “Because he's just using her!” I shouted, ignoring how some of the people on the sidewalk beside me jumped. “Isn't it obvious?”

  The twaelin slid his hand down my arm, linking his fingers with mine. Even in my foul mood, that made my heart twitch. “Maybe he's using her, in fact, almost certainly. Why does it matter?”

  “That's bold, coming from you,” I grumbled.

  His arm went stiff, but he didn't let me go. “I see. So, this is more about how you think I'm using you, than it is about them.”

  Faltering at his precise observation, I stared down at the sidewalk. “I've been told by two different people today that you're not to be trusted, that you'd... you'd hurt me, if it came down to it. Why shouldn't I believe them?”

  “I can't tell you what to believe, Gale. However, let me say this. Can you not come up with a reason why Valenforth and his servant would try and get you against me?”

  Blinking slowly, I found myself looking into his patient eyes. Of course I can, but... “If they want me to be on their side, they would warn me against you.”

  “Correct,” he said gently. “Did Valenforth tell you why he's having Ethlyn follow you?”

  I shook my head, frustrated by the memory. “He thinks I'm meant to do something big, but even he couldn't say what.”

  “Even he couldn't say. So then, why does he assume my Mistress, or myself, are more dangerous to you? How could he know that?”

  Biting my lip, I let my hand fall from his. “It's all really confusing, that's all. And I'm just worried about me, and... and Becky. I don't know who to listen to anymore.”

  Nethiun reached down, easing my chin upwards. “Gale, you don't need to pick a side. If something is going to happen, it will happen. That's how the world works, isn't it?”

  Just go along for the ride, is that his advice? Sighing, I turned away. It isn't like he's wrong, even if I don't like the sound of it. Any of them could be an enemy, any of them could be a friend. I can't do anything until it becomes clear. Not about myself, anyway, but...

  Peering out across the street, I shielded my eyes. “Maybe you have a point. But she's my friend, she isn't involved in this. And, I can say for certain he is using her. That's no mystery. Ethlyn, he told me earlier today that's why he's hanging around her, to keep observing me.”

  “Oh? Did you tell him to leave her alone, is that why he was acting a bit strange with her?”

  He tried to get me to date him in exchange. Pausing, I considered my words. “We talked about a lot of things... but yes. I told him to leave her alone, and he promised me he
would try. Now I wonder if he was lying to placate me.” To get me to trust him more? If so, he didn't follow through enough.

  Looking back, I tried to see if I could spot them. The pair was standing together, sipping their drinks, looking pleased. Ethlyn was even smiling, apparently enjoying the hot chocolate.

  Nethiun's touch shifted, tugging me closer. It threw me off balance, so that I almost stumbled into his chest. “Your friend looks like she's having fun.”

  Scowling, I chewed on my tongue lightly. “She's going to get hurt when she finds out that he's only around her to get close to me.”

  “What if she never finds out?”

  Bristling, I glared up at him with my mouth half open. “I—of course she'll find out!”

  “How, unless you tell her?”

  I had no argument for that. Deflating, my arm went limp in his. Gently, he lowered it between us, his thumb rubbing over the back of my hand. Every little swirl he made, it sent a spark to my lower belly.

  I... no, that's too much. Grimacing, I tugged my fingers free, still feeling the warmth where he had been touching. “Fine,” I said softly. “Maybe she won't find out the truth, but isn't the result the same?”

  “That probably depends on how everything plays out,” he answered cryptically.

  Unsure how to comment on that, I was relieved when Becky and Ethlyn reappeared with their drinks.

  Beaming, she cradled an armful of cups. “Here, I got one for each of you. Take it! If I move, I'll drop them all.”

  Lighting up at the sight, I took one from the crook of her elbow. “Becky, thanks so much! God, they smell amazing.” Inhaling the sweet scent, I took a swig. It burned my mouth, but I didn't even care. It was delicious.

  Becky took the extra cup, handing it off to Nethiun. Watching him sniff it, then sip it gingerly, I thought about the night in the club. He did say he could taste things, I wonder if it's all the same to him. Does he even like chocolate?

  Ethlyn certainly seemed to. His lips were stained from the cocoa, he held the empty cup over his mouth, clearly wanting every drop.