Testing Fate (15 page)

“If these scar, I’m going to be pissed.” Devlin squeezed out the excess water before wiping my cheeks. “Were you cut anywhere else?” I shrugged, only to whimper when the action caused my shirt to tug on my back.  That’s when I remembered the painful blow.

“Between my shoulder blades.”

He helped me lean forward so he could look, growling at what he found. “Your t-shirt is covered with blood and has a huge slash in it. You’ll need to take it off so I can see underneath.”

There was no way I could lift my arms but Devlin solved the situation, tearing it off me. There was a slight ripping noise and then cool air danced over my exposed skin.

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Sitting up was taking its toll on me and the room began to spin. I started to fall backward, only to be stopped by Devlin’s arm.

“Honey, if you lie down I can’t clean the wound and this is the worst one.” Compassion thickly coated his words.

“I just need to sleep.” My own voice caught. I was just so tired and the constant ache was starting to frazzle my nerves.

“Then let me get you onto your stomach. That way you can close your eyes and relax while I fix your back.” He gently lifted me into his arms and helped change my body position. The movement caused more pain and tears began streaking down my cheeks. I held my breath as my weight adjusted before sinking back into the soft mattress, slightly relieved.

Devlin dabbed at my wound, muttering under his breath about seeking justice. I flinched with each press of the wet towel, but moving had taken what little energy I had left.

“Tell me a story, Devlin. Something to take my mind off everything.”

“What kind?” He never stopped his methodical, almost soothing, strokes.

“It doesn’t matter,” I murmured.

“Hmmm,” Devlin answered before falling silent. I heard him rinse out his towel again, the tinkling water falling back into the bowl. “Did I ever tell you about my best friend growing up?” I made a noise, too tired to answer properly and he chuckled softly. “I take that as a no. Well, we were inseparable and he was the best dog a boy could ask for.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “What was his name?” I whispered.

“I called him Duke. My sister made fun of me because, even though he came from a good breed, he was the runt. My father declared I was old enough for the responsibility and said if I trained Duke well enough, he would make a good hunting dog. I didn’t care how tiny he was. It was love at first sight.”

“How old were you?” I asked, interested in learning more about Devlin’s life.

“I’d just turned six.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he began reliving a good memory. “I remember the moment I held that sweet puppy in my arms and hugged him; I knew we’d be lifelong companions. My father chastised me for spoiling him, but I didn’t care. Duke was obedient to my commands and loyal to a fault. That dog saved my life more times than I can count.”

“Saved you?” I mumbled, relaxed. The aches and throbbing had eased and I’d finally found the relief I needed.

“This may surprise you, but I wasn’t always good at listening to my parents. I got into more trouble than most.” Devlin chuckled. “My mother was forever telling me she didn’t know what she was going to do with me and sending me to the vicar for confession. My father would just shake his head and increase my chores. Truth is, I think I reminded him a lot of himself, but he’d never admit it.”

I couldn’t imagine a young Devlin, a little boy running wild and free. “It’s weird hearing you talk about being a child. I’ve always known you as a vampire.”

“I didn’t turn until I was in my twenties.” He got a faraway sound and I wished I could see his face. His conversion was such a mystery, something he never spoke about. “But that’s not the story. I was telling you about me and Duke.”

“Because heaven forbid I hear
that
story, right?” I barked out a brisk laugh, the movement jostling my body.

“All in good time, sweetheart.” Devlin stopped cleaning my wound and took a seat on the floor with his body against the bed frame. “Besides, this is a much more interesting story. I was a complete rascal back then.”

“Back then?” I joked.

“Yes.” Devlin tried not to sound indignant and failed. “Anyway, I had a hard time ignoring a good dare when I was younger. Half the trouble I got into was because someone had challenged me, making me feel like I needed to prove myself. Whether it was from my other siblings or the village boys, I’m surprised I was able to sit down during my childhood from the amount of whippings my father gave me. Quite a few of the events were harmless antics, but some ended up dangerous.”

“There was a house everyone avoided. It was where Old Man Flanagan lived. He was one of the most ornery cusses I’d ever seen. And the rumor was, if he ever caught you pilfering his apples, he’d skin you alive. I remember my friend, Paul, had bragged about how sweet and juicy the apples were, and how easy it was to swipe a few.

“He’d stood there taking big bites, and I wanted one, badly. He egged us all on, saying he’d never tasted one so delicious. None of the other boys were brave enough to go, even my older brother looked uneasy, which surprised me. I loved Sebastian and I got the idea that if I could grab two apples for us, I’d impress him. He wouldn’t shoo me away when the older boys came calling and maybe he’d take me fishing with them. When Paul declared everyone was too chicken, I stepped forward and told him I wasn’t. I promised I’d be back within the hour with my shirt full of apples.”

“I was so certain and full of myself. I had it all worked out and could already hear the praises for my victory in my mind. Quickly scaling the fence that surrounded Old Man Flanagan’s orchard, I ordered Duke to keep a look out and bark if he saw anyone approach. I was up among the branches when the first alert came. I panicked and instead of simply dropping to the ground and running, I climbed higher into the tree, hoping the leaves would hide me.

“I held my breath when I saw the grumpy old man at the bottom looking up. He banged his cane against the trunk, muttering about how annoyed he was with pesky thieves. All the while Duke growled. And just when I thought I was sprung, the dog began yanking on Flanagan’s trouser leg to distract him. I felt the blow when he struck at Duke, but my dog wasn’t stupid. He was able to dodge the later ones and began moving back, leading Old Man Flanagan away.

“I didn’t waste any time. Instead of climbing back down, I simply dropped from the high branches and the last loud snap was unmistakable. I’d broken enough bones in the past to know I’d hurt myself again, but I couldn’t stop. I was terrified of being caught, so I tried hobbling away as best I could. I made it a short distance before the pain was so bad, it forced me to stop.”

“Oh no,” I murmured, feeling sleepy, but awake enough to listen. “Did he catch you?”

“I was so sure he would, but I didn’t see him anymore after that. It started getting dark, and not wanting to be caught in the orchard, I slowly crawled home. I made it as far as three lanes from my house before I was discovered. My brother had become increasingly worried when I hadn’t returned and kept a look out for me. He helped me home and together we devised an explanation to tell our parents how I got hurt. My mother took one glance and called for the doctor to set my leg. She was worried about me, but I was more concerned about my father. There’d been a knock at the door shortly after my return and he’d left.

“I was almost asleep when he came into my room and sat at the end of my bed. He let out a long, weary sigh and in that second, there was no doubt that he knew. “Son, there comes a time in a man’s life when he must tell the truth, despite the consequences.” He didn’t say anything else, just that one sentence, but it was enough to spark my conscience. I confessed everything. Once the tale was told, we sat in silence. He got up and left the room only to return shortly with Duke. I hadn’t seen my dog since the orchard and there was no hiding a limp when he walked.

“My father then told me how he’d been called to Old Man Flanagan’s home to retrieve the dog. Duke hadn’t relented in keeping the old man from me and had backed himself into a corner. It had taken some serious negotiating on my father’s part to keep Duke from being put down.  That was one of my first lessons on the responsibility I held for an animal’s loyalty. He was willing to die to protect me and I hadn’t respected that. I deserved my father’s disappointed look and lecture. I’ve never forgotten it, even to this day.”

“You were just a boy,” I added.

“Yes, but nevertheless, old enough to know better. Duke was a good dog and we had many more adventures. Many a night I lay awake wondering what would’ve happened that day if Duke hadn’t been there. I lost the taste for apples after that.” Devlin chuckled.

“I bet,” I murmured again, hovering over the brink of sleep.

“You need to be sleeping.” I felt him gently place the blanket over my hips, careful not to touch my wound.

“I wanted to hear about you as a boy. You don’t share a lot, so I didn’t want to miss out.” I stifled a yawn.

“Well, story time’s over.” He stood and switched the light off, putting the room into a comfortable darkness. Devlin brushed my cheek with his finger and sat back down.

The lullaby started softly, the richness filling the air. It must’ve been something from his childhood because I didn’t recognize the melody, but it was just enough to soothe away any resistance.

My eyelids grew heavier as his sweet song cradled me in its magic. I loved hearing Devlin sing and letting out a restful moan, I let his voice float me away into sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

I don’t think I’d ever groaned as loudly before in my life.

My eyes burned when I tried opening them. I had no idea how long I’d been asleep, but judging from how stiff my body was and how unwilling it was to move a muscle, it couldn’t have been more than a few hours. The plan was for me to sleep as long as possible, but Devlin’s angry tone was like being doused with a bucket of frigidly cold water.

“I don’t care if it’s part of the conditions. She needs more sleep.” There was a muffled response I couldn’t quite catch before I heard him again. “Please, show some mercy. She’s done everything you’ve asked without question. She’s accepted not having her memories and becoming totally human. She hasn’t argued and she’s showed incredible courage. Just a few more hours.”

My heart sank. One of the Moirai was obviously here to escort me to the next test and Devlin wasn’t happy about it. I didn’t blame him either, because the last thing I wanted to face right now was something brutal. There was no doubt in my mind the fourth trial would exceed the last one, each one had become progressively worse. All I wanted to do was fade away again and let sleep continue its healing power.

I stared up at the ceiling. Devlin was pushing his luck, arguing with whichever Fate was outside. They’d allowed him some leeway last night, but there was no telling when their patience would snap. Images of him crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain, was enough to force me out of bed and shuffling toward the door. His heart was in the right place, but I refused to be the reason why he faced their wrath. They were temperamental at best. If it was time for the next trial, then I would complete it.

“It’s okay, Devlin. I’m up and ready.” I looked down at my bare feet and laughed. “Well, I will be after I quickly get dressed.” Acknowledging Atropos, I stiffly bowed and added. “Give me a few moments and we can go.”

“Are you strong enough to face whatever they have planned, Darcy?” Devlin’s question stopped me in my tracks.

“It doesn’t matter. Where the body is weak, the spirit is willing . . . or something like that.” I’d used one of his favorite sayings back at him and he snorted in response.  Turning to Atropos, I waited until she returned my glance. “Will this next trial be anything like the last? Meaning will it kill me?”

“It is never our intention to harm those facing the challenges.” I studied her expression, aware she hadn’t really answered me. I decided to take it at face value.

“Then just a sec.” I hobbled back into my room and slid on my shoes. As a second thought, I also grabbed a jacket for extra protection. The cuts on my arms had begun to scab over, but I couldn’t guarantee the next few hours wouldn’t injure them further.

Closing my bedroom door behind me, Devlin and Atropos stood quietly staring at one another. I knew he wasn’t happy with this but ultimately it wasn’t his decision to make. I’d agreed to be tested and it was my call whether or not I quit.

He met me halfway and I winced as I wrapped my arms around his waist. He carefully embraced me, making sure not to touch near my shoulder blades. The cut was itching, which was a good sign, but it wouldn’t take much to reopen it.

“Have I told you how much I hate this?” He whispered in my ear. “I think three challenges are enough and you’ve already proven yourself worthy.”

“That’s not for me to decide, though.” I rested my head against his chest. Devlin was so strong and I wish I could’ve gathered some of it to me. Each step made my muscles throb and the pain slowly began chipping away at my resolve. “I need to go before I chicken out. I love you. I won’t be long.”

I cupped his jawline and offered him a smile. Grabbing my hand, Devlin kissed the back of it and winked. “Just remember to keep alert and when you get back, I’ll have another story for you.”

“Deal.” I nodded slightly.

Atropos stood by the door as I made my way toward the exit. I tried to ignore the way I hurt and plastered a brave expression on my face.

“Are you sure you are ready?”

Taking one last look at Devlin, I just hoped I was able to keep my promise to him. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I responded and touched her arm. Transporting was becoming easier, but as the pressure squeezed my body. I disappeared with an agonized scream.

“Son of a gun!” I cussed and dropped to the floor. There was no trying to put on a brave front as the courage I’d just shown Devlin shattered Appearing now before a large wooden door had robbed me of whatever energy I’d accumulated through my sleep. My insides shrieked for relief and I wiped away the tears that filled my eyes. This was already too much and I hadn’t even started.