Page 14 of Called By Fate

After having to leave my family behind for a second time… the anguish of having to say goodbye again. Well, I think I understand Ash’s motives, even if they still pain me to no end. If I thought I could get my parents or Skylar back, would I jump at the chance?

I certainly jumped at the chance to get Vin back.

Ash’s grief-stricken face invades my thoughts. I can’t help but wonder where she is. I need to see her again if only to at least try to make her see past her grief. To tell her about her parents and Mickey’s warped magic. It’s the right thing to do.

"You have every right to be upset with her,” Jimmy says softly. “But you should also know everything. Mickey put a geas on her so she can't speak about us, or what happened to her when she was abducted. We heard him put it on her when he brought us back the first time. He tries to pull our souls back too, but that goes against the laws of nature, so it only ends up torturing us, but it’s convincing enough to fool Ashley."

Anger courses through me. "I swear when I get my hands on him..."

They both chuckle. "He deserves whatever punishment you dish out for him."

"I've missed you both," I admit, wringing my hands together. Seeing so many of my loved ones I grieved in the past is taking a toll on me. Without Vin to distract me, I’m feeling quite melancholy and guilty for my uncle’s actions.

Ash’s mom’s face contorts with sadness. "We’ve missed you too, sweetie. Both of you. I’ve always counted you as my second daughter."

“Our time together was short, but you made such an impact on our family,” her dad agrees, then suddenly turns and looks behind him, nodding before he turns back to me. “I'm afraid it's time for us to go, kid. Tell Ash the truth. Make her understand.”

Nicole starts to weep silently. "If anyone can get through to her, it's you."

I nod. I may still be angry with Ash, but I know her better than anyone, and I’m not willing to throw our friendship out yet. We’ve been through too damn much together for that. My distrust won’t go away overnight, but I need to give her the chance to make amends because that’s what family does.

"I'll do what I can because she’s like my sister."

Nicole smiles. “I think it's time you head back too, hun. Your mates are starting to get antsy. If you're not back soon, they’re going to send in the cavalry.” She winks at me, and I give them a small smile of understanding. One second, they are there and then the next, they're gone and I'm left fucking confused as hell.

My uncle, Mickey, is a necromancer.

Apparently a powerful one too. Just when I think I’ve found out the important stuff about magic, the universe throws a crazy, body snatching, soul ripping, psycho my way.

Fucking great.

Before I can leave, I have one more piece of unfinished business. Even though Elian’s mother and sister aren’t here physically, I decide to say it into the void. Hopefully, wherever they are, they can hear me. I tell them about how we met, about how he killed Elron, and all about the man he’s becoming.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m falling for the brooding asshole. It makes me chuckle slightly. Women always fall for the bad boys, don’t they?

When I’m finished, I feel the need to add, “I promise to look after him since you can’t anymore. Elian deserves a little love and happiness in his life after all the shit he’s been through.”

The featherlight caress is all the answer I need as to whether they heard me or not, and it feels distinctly like athank you.

7

Getting out of the Goddess’ realm was a lot easier than I expected. I used our tether to get back, and my mates were exactly where I left them, waiting for me at the entrance to the In-Between. The God of Light popped back in to escort us out and bam, we were home.

I told them everything that happened while I was gone, literally everything from my new Triad status, to Vin, to what Mickey is doing to Ash’s parents. They were shocked, but at least now we know what I am and have a tad more information.

"Dammit! Why isn't he awake?" I demand, pacing the floor in the foyer of their estate.

Thankfully, while we were gone, someone cleaned the blood from around Vin's body. If it weren't for the stains on his clothes and the dagger in his chest, I could almost forget it ever happened. Except he's not awake, and Hemsworth is missing.

I’m close, don’t worry,Hemsworth speaks into my mind, and it makes me suspicious. What is that dog up to?

"We've only been back a little while, Angel. Give it some time. You remember the Goddess said time works differently in her realm. It seemed like ages there when only an hour or two passed here."

“Gods.” I let out a breath. “I hate when you're right.”

Dante smirks. "I know."

I smack his arm lightly for his cocky remark. "Watch it, Blondie. I’ll make you put your money where your mouth is."

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