Stone Cold Seduction (29 page)

I looked at Jax. “I believe you. And I know we have a bond.”

I turned to MacLean. “I know the marriage contract can be reinstated, and it seems as if my father will push it forward. Do I have a say in it?”

“Yes,” MacLean said in a rough voice. “I would never force you to marry me.”

“But my father would.”

MacLean hesitated. “I think you’re right, yes.”

“I won’t let you have her. She’s mine. She’s always been mine. The bond is there.” The anguish and determination in Jax’s voice hurt my heart. So did the pain in MacLean’s eyes.

It was bad enough that I had to walk away from my shop, even temporarily, and cater to my father. But having these two so miserable and not knowing what to do was worse.

“Why is my father doing this? Why now?” I rubbed my wrist where the new ward tattoo was etched into my skin. They’d all take some getting used to.

My cell phone rang. The number came up as “unknown.”

“Hello?” I answered, equally pissed and relieved at the distraction.

“Elleodora?” The female voice had a Scottish accent and sounded familiar. “It’s Gwen.”

“Gwen? Oh, hi. How are you doing?” Lame, lame question to ask someone who just lost her mother.

Her words were clipped. “I found something for you.”

I held the phone with both hands, nervous. “Oh, thanks. I already got my fate.”

“It’s not your fate.” Static crackled across the line, but her words were clear.

I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want anything else. I…

“Hello? Are you there?”

I sighed, “Yes, I’m here, sorry. What is it?”

“A journal. From my mother.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say.

“It contains information you will need soon. I sent it via airmail. It will arrive tomorrow, twelve o’clock your time. And Elleodora?”

I swallowed and licked my lips, which were suddenly dry. “Yes?”

“Put on the necklace. It would have protected you. Don’t be foolish a second time.” And then the line went dead.

I carefully set my phone on the table, heart pounding.

“That was Gwen?” MacLean asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, she…ah…has a journal for me. From Carys. She says it will arrive tomorrow.”

“What else did she say?” Jax asked.

“She told me to put the necklace on. She said it would have protected me.”

“Where is it?” MacLean asked. “Gwen is a strong fate reader in her own right. You need to put it on.”

“I’m not sure. I put it on the table in Inverness and then…” And then everything went to hell.

“It should be in your suitcase. I packed it before we left for the Library,” Jax said.

“I…I’ll go check.”

Upstairs, with both guys in tow, I found it right where Jax had said it would be. Tucked underneath my packed clothes, still in the small, wooden box.

I pulled the box out with shaking fingers. Popping open the latch, I stared down at the necklace. The cluster of pink stones glittered at me. I picked it up and fumbled with the clasp until Jax took it. He swept my hair aside and gently set the chain around my neck. After it was fastened, I closed my eyes.

I felt the now familiar tingle that I normally associated with a ward. Energy consumed my body. This time was different. Heat and light surrounded me. Stars exploded behind my closed eyelids, and I cried out as hundreds of chanting voices filled my mind. The sensations overwhelmed me. Dimly aware of Jax and MacLean calling my name, I couldn’t respond.

Every cell in my body felt electrified. The sensations nearly bowled me over. It wasn’t painful, but uncomfortable. Like my body and mind crawled with energy.

A minute, then two, passed. Gradually, the voices and energy flow ebbed. I collapsed on the floor in a grateful heap. I could breathe.

“Elle?” Jax knelt beside me, face taut with concern. He put one arm behind my back in an attempt to support my head and shoulders.

MacLean was on my other side, checking my arms and legs for injuries. “Did you hurt anything when you fell?”

“I need a second, but it’s okay. I’m okay.” Each man took an arm, and helped me to my feet. I pushed back the tangle of hair that obscured my sight. “I’m better than okay.”

They wore twin expressions of confusion and concern.

“What happened? Was there a ward attached to it?” MacLean asked, holding onto my arm as if he expected me to topple over again.

“No, it wasn’t a ward. You can let go, guys. I’m okay now.” MacLean released my arm, but stayed close.

Jax refused to let go. “You’re sure you’re okay? If it wasn’t a ward, what happened? Here, maybe you should sit down. I can get you a chair, and you can—”

“Jax, stop. I’m okay,” I repeated, putting my hand over his before I gently shook loose and stepped away from his grasp. “It wasn’t a ward. Not exactly.”

How to explain it? A door had opened. A thousand secrets had tumbled through. The necklace was a connection to who I was, who I came from. And who I would be. Well, it hinted at who I would be. My fate had yet to play out. Relief flooded me and I felt, dare I say it, hopeful. “I know what my fate means now. Parts of it.”

Jax hovered close to my side. “My gem, that’s wonderful, but I think you should sit while you tell us what happened.”

I held the stones between my thumb and forefinger. “I don’t want to sit. This wasn’t from my grandfather. My mother left it for me.” I couldn’t explain it, but somehow, I felt her.

MacLean shifted on his feet. He hid his anxiety only marginally better than Jax. “You’re okay, though? You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I’m better than okay,” I repeated, and then sighed, feeling my shoulders relax for the first time in days.

“What does your fate mean?” MacLean’s copper eyes flickered with small, expectant flames.

Jax asked what they both really wanted to know. “Did it name your true mate?”

The two men stood close enough to highlight the sharp contrast between them. The tall, fiery-eyed phoenix. The big, dark-haired gargoyle. Both had a piece of my heart, but only one was my true mate.

The last week had been hell. In spite of it all, relief tipped up the corners of my mouth. I now had a fighting chance against my father, along with new abilities and knowledge. The pendant warmed against my skin, lending a supportive energy to my thoughts. For the first time in a long time, I knew I had a chance at so many things. I no longer felt powerless.

“That’s the best part. You two are going to have to learn to get along for a little while, because I just found out I have a choice.”

Acknowledgments

I offer my heartfelt thanks to the amazing people who supported me on this journey.

Sara, your friendship means the world to me. Your input, encouragement, and unwavering confidence are gifts I treasure.

Brooke Moss, you are the snarkiest, most awesome writing partner a girl could have. Thank you for the late writing nights and constant inspiration.

Caro, my characters’ rolling eyeballs and open mouths are in your honor. I appreciate your expert touch in making this book better than I imagined possible.

Christa, your time and effort brought this book to publication. I am forever in your debt.

Heather and Liz, many thanks for taking a chance on Elle.

About the Author

Jess lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband, and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible. When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, reads, runs a mini farm, watches MMA, and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea, and world domination. But mostly chocolate.

Find Jess on Facebook and Twitter under Jess Macallan.

www.jessmacallan.com