True Fate (6 page)

Beginning
slowly as if testing out the words she spoke again finally. "Many years
ago the woman who was your grandmother left our world. Rumors were that she
fell in love with a mortal and fled. Such intermingling isn’t permitted for our
kind.” she looked at Aaron pointedly to make sure he was following this and
able to handle what she needed to say.

"Some
had thought her to be dead. Some said she got away and was living happily ever
after. But most believe she was killed by a ruthless hunter who is from my
world. He claimed to have done it anyway, he even produced Rhiannon's pinky
where her promise mark had been curled. That along with her mother's dagger was
enough for the court to accept his word." The way she spoke matter of
factly set Aaron’s nerves on end, he ran his hand through his hair and tapped
the top of his head nervously trying to figure it out.

She
came close and grabbed his hand from his head and looked in his eyes. The
warmth that flowed through her was calming and serene.

"Aaron
I swear to you this is truth.
 
You must
accept this fate and embrace your destiny.
 
I am running out of time, I must go fairly soon. I’m sorry. You have to
decide so that I may mark you. Please." she said trying to portray the
urgency she felt since her compulsion was rendered useless on him.

Aaron
stood up, back ridged as if he were about to salute a general.
 
He blew out the breath he had been holding
and said, "I accept." Her eyes danced, she was clearly excited. He
was grateful she wasn't clapping again.

Unlatching
her wristlet, she looked at it momentarily and whispered inaudibly, it was a
thin black strip that looked like gun metal. She grabbed his left wrist and
rubbed her hand over his existing tattoos. He shivered getting goose bumps
where her fingers had touched it was sort of a creeped out feeling. She ran the
metal strip through her hands again and again till it was long enough to wrap
around his wrist three times.

He
felt pressure as she wrapped the metallic cord around his wrist. His skin
hummed where the metal met his heated flesh. "Aaron Pierce, do you accept
the responsibility of being the Guardian of Epifania Marguerite Du Monte De La
Garza?"

The
girl ran the end of the metal strip back and forth on his wrist as it glowed a
dim white light. "I do." he simply replied. Just then the metal cord
sparked and he tried not to jump. The reflection of the glow in her eyes was
sinister looking and he began to wonder if he was doing the right thing.

"Do
you vow to put her safety above all else and to keep the secrets of my people?"
It almost came out automatic this time, "I do."

His
body relaxed as warmth flooded every inch of his being. The light was so bright
it was almost blinding. He felt a heat on his skin as she moved to the other
wrist. He closed his eyes and breathed deep. "You have begun a bond that
cannot be broken.” He nodded and she did too.

“In
a weeks’ time I will come to you again and explain more. I hope that you heed
the instincts or gut feelings you get as your senses have already begun to be
heightened."

Aaron
looked down at his wrists. He never understood why he always felt the need to
keep them bare always tattooing elsewhere but he knew now. This had to be fate,
or something like it, maybe his destiny. Whatever it was, he was certainly glad
to be in this was with Nia.

If
she was in danger he would protect her no matter what, of that he was certain.

The
girl smiled and took a deep breath, "You may call me Lilith and remember,
you are to speak of this to no one. Be safe Aaron."

Granting
her with a tight smile as Lilith started to fade to a dim glow then dissipate.

Aaron
stood staring at the design that was on each wrist, it was intricate and
beautiful.

This
had to be the craziest dream he has ever had. He really needed to wake up.

Slowly
he made his way back to his bed taking off his shirt as he climbed in. Aaron’s
eyes fluttered as a pull overtook him, taking one last glance at his fresh
markings with thoughts of Nia bringing a smile to his lips.

‘What happens when I wake up? Man this was a crazy dream.’ Closing his eyes
he slipped into a deep dreamless sleep.

Chapter 3

Rhea was relentless. "Jeez, you nearly
dislocated something!" Nia told her, while rubbing her wrist.

"Oh don't be a baby! Sit!" she said and
pointed at the bed.

"Okay, now SPILL!” Rhea said completely
serious yet grinning.
 

"Okay, okay! Sheesh!" Smacking Rhea’s
arm she complied and sat.

"His name is Aaron Pierce and he’s funny and
sweet oh yes and he is absolutely beautiful! Wait. Can I call a guy
beautiful?" she said biting her finger nail.

"Yes! You can call him whatever you want!
Don't stop, keep going!" she nudged Nia's knee with hers.

"Okay! Fine." Nia chuckled out.

Nia proceeded to recount the afternoon's events
leaving out only the extremely personal things they shared with each other. But
not the fact that they did. Rhea just sat there all doe eyed, nodding and
laughing then said, "Wow, that's so awesome and weird, and
fantastic!"

Nia smiled although she'd been doing so much of
that today it kind of hurt her cheeks. "He texted me too.” she took out
her phone to show Rhea the text.

"Well!?" was Rhea's response.

"Well, what?” she answered a little
confused.

"Text him back you nut!"

'Oh crap!'
She'd
forgotten to do it right away. "Duh." Nia said smacking her forehead.

Rhea pressed the phone into Nia’s hand and she
started her reply. Leaving the room with Nia barely noticing she went out to
check on her dad and answer the door for the pizza guy. Muttering to herself,
"Fifteen minutes my butt....."

Nia: Hey I am totally free 2moro. :) Is breakfast
too soon to get started?

Aaron: No. I think that'd be great. What time N
where do I meet U?

Nia: How about I pick you up? ;)

Aaron: Um I suppose so, though I've never been
picked up by a girl before. ;)

Nia: LOL Well I figured it would be best for me to
drive so you can see the sights. Also so I don't have to give you directions
everywhere.

Aaron: Well that definitely makes sense. What about
the time? I am cool with whatever.

Nia: Is eight thirty too early? And have you ever
had a real Mexican breakfast?

Aaron: I guess I'll know after I have it. =)
Tex-Mex is really good BTW

Nia: Great I know just the spot! Can't wait. See
you in the morning.

Aaron: I’ll be looking forward to it. Can I ask u
something though?

Nia: Sure, anything.

Aaron: Is the day going to be casual? I'm trying to
figure out what I should wear.

Nia: LOL Yes casual is good. Just be ready for
ANYTHING! I'm holding you hostage at least until sundown

.

Aaron: lol Thanks for the info, being your hostage
sounds great. Have a good night Nia.

Nia: You too. ;)

She couldn’t help the sigh, holding the phone to
her chest and quickly snapped herself out of it. All but floating out of the
room. She couldn't believe this was happening. Could this possibly turn into
something more than just a chance meeting? She knew exactly where she'd take
him for breakfast, it was one of the best little hidden secrets Houston had to
offer. Over on 75th off Harrisburg.

Her stomach grumbled when the smell of Pizza hit
her senses she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a paper plate and two
slices. Nia plopped down next to Rhea smiling.

"So...?" Rhea sat there looking at her
with anticipation, letting the word hang there.

"Here," Nia replied simply handing over
her phone for her friend’s inspection.

Nia took a bite of the pizza savoring the
pepperoni goodness the extra cheese hanging on her chin. She was wiping off the
excess sauce when Al came out of his room.

"Okay girls, I’ve got to get going."

"Hi Mr. Mitchell. Dad asked if you can bring
your Texas Hold'Em.", Nia had barely remembered.

 
Al just
smiled and said "It's already in here.", while shaking his duffle bag
in his hand. He kissed the girls each on the head and looked pointedly at Rhea,
"Don't forget to lock all of the locks and if y'all leave at least text
me."

"Yes sir!” Rhea replied with a salute.

"Love you girls." he said before walking
out and in unison they replied. "Bye!"

After a minute a loud bang sounded on the door
causing both girls to jump, Rhea spun around finding Al's head peeking in
through the barely open door.

"Okay, Okay." Rhea said while making her
way to the door, she kissed Al’s cheek and he was gone again. Rhea locked the
two deadbolts, the doorknob and the flip latch.

“I guess you can't be too careful in the city.” She
said with a shrug.

After cleaning up and putting away leftovers the
girls grabbed their pints of ice cream and spoons and headed to the room.

There's a king size bed in Rhea's super girly room.
It looked like a diva exploded in there and a zebra was somehow involved.

Her royal purple walls and her purple and gold
bedspread matched. The furniture was Queen Anne with shiny gold trim. Zebra
rugs were thrown about in various locations and the room itself is just huge.

Chiffon curtains and silk window treatments from
the floor to practically the ceiling decorated the tall windows. Having her own
terrace at Rhea's was Nia's favorite spot at her home away from home.

But her best friend’s favorite spot was at her
desk. She was always doing something whether it's blogging or keeping up with
her social media.

They sat face to face and Rhea wanted to know
exactly what Aaron looked like. Nia swooned while giving out the details of all
that is Aaron Pierce. She started with his full looking hair that tapered off.
Then moved to his full lips and his amazing blue eyes. It worried Nia to be so
out of control just thinking about him. How was she supposed to be around him
the next day without going stupid? She sure would find out soon enough.

Rhea giggled and oohed and aahed in all the right
places reminding Nia why she could tell her anything. They pondered what the
tattoos he was hiding looked like.

Nia has tattoos too, she did the first one when
she turned eighteen. She'd drawn it when she was thirteen and perfected the
design as the years went on. It was a beautiful symbol that she'd never seen
before, but was always drawing on all of her things. It felt right when she
tattooed it on top of her left wrist and nothing on the planet could make her
regret it. She had gotten her tattoo machine three days before her birthday and
had practiced on a practice skin. It didn’t hurt as much as she had been told
it would. She rubbed it absentmindedly and often. It helped to calm her, though
she couldn’t explain why.

As Nia spooned heaping mouthfuls of Rocky Road
into her mouth enjoying the chocolaty goodness Rhea went through ideas for
tomorrow. There was so much possibility there. Nia would treat tomorrow as her
one chance to get to know this intriguing guy. And she promised herself to be
genuine and nothing that she's not. She truly hoped he would do the same.

After brushing her teeth Nia got changed and into
bed. Music played low in the background, they made their "Sleepy
Time" playlist together and added to it every year. They both listened to
it every night together or individually.

Rhea talked about her day and she never even
finished because by song three she was out and it never ever failed. Nia smiled
looking up at the ceiling used to Rhea's light snore, it was comforting.

When the next song came through the speakers she
got chills. As the words to When I Saw You played all she could picture behind
her eyelids was Aaron's face.

"Soft, heavenly eyes gazed into me
transcending space and time. And I was rendered still, there were no words for
me to find at all.

As I stood there beside myself, I could see you
and no one else.

When I saw you, when I saw you, I could not
breathe.

I fell so deep.

When I saw you, when I saw you I'd never be, I'd
never be the same."

Whoa, and that was just the first part. She was
happy and annoyed by the ridiculousness of what she was feeling. She felt like
she needed to shake the irrational feelings. She had a non-stop internal war
with herself until exhaustion finally won out. She drifted into a peaceful
sleep. Or so she thought…

Nia woke up staring at a pale blue sky. She
closed her eyes and reopened them, rubbing her eyelids and blinked a few more
times. She sat up slowly to take in her surroundings. Six feet away there was a
babbling brook, sitting up slowly she saw it was directly in front of her. She
stood carefully and turned around to find a giant oak with low hanging
branches. The kind she always hoped to find to read in. She focused her eyes
and noticed a young girl sitting on one of the lowest branches.

Nia tried to speak but nothing came out, though
she heard her thought in her mind, "What the heck?"

 
Then a
small voice said, "Please, come sit with me. I have much to share and
little time to do it in."

Nia was uncertain but she started walking towards
the tree anyway. This had to be a dream so what harm could it do?

 
As she got
closer she could see the girl more clearly. She had golden hair in large curls
and rosy cheeks to match. Her pale skin looked bright next to the black dress
and Mary Jane's she was wearing.

Her full lips were crimson and she had the most
stunning blue eyes so bright they nearly glistened. Angelic was the thought
that crossed Nia's mind.

That and perhaps a bit Alice in Wonderland. With
that thought the girl gave a small giggle. "I'm sorry but I can still hear
you." She told Nia with a giggle.

The girl waited patiently and looked at Nia
almost as if she were sizing her up. "Who are you? And most importantly,
where are we?" Nia asked.

"I will answer these questions and then you
will listen. As I said our time here is limited so please just do as I ask.”
the girl responded almost frowning. The furrow in her brow giving Nia enough
pause, she nodded her agreement.

"You are not safe if they find you and I am
afraid you cannot come back here again. It is just too dangerous, not like this
anyway. We are in your dream inside of your mind, though I cannot tell you
how.
 
I am not saying you cannot dream
just that I cannot come to you this way again. My name is Lilly, I am here to warn
you of danger that lies in wait for you Nia."

Nia's eyes went wide at the mention of her name and
she clutched her wrist for comfort rubbing her tattoo. That drew the girl’s
attention to the spot and she came close in a flash.

Lilly grabbed Nia's wrist tightly examining it
closely and gasped at the sight of her tattoo.

"Where did you get this!?" Lilly’s hand
tightened on her wrist in a death grip. Nia pulled her wrist hard from Lilly's
clutches to no avail but shortly after Lilly dropped her wrist like it was on
fire.

"I got it for my eighteenth birthday. I drew
it and tattooed it myself." She explained.

"Oh my, it's worse than I thought! There is
a possibility they have already seen you! Please be careful of who you trust
Nia." she said looking around warily.

Nia swallowed hard, whatever this was the eerie
feeling that settled in her stomach told her it felt pretty real. She knew she
was dreaming but thought maybe this was just a lucid dream.