Page 82 of Touch Of Fate
“Yeah. I buried her that day, and my emotions. Grieving wasn’t an option. She was my world, and it exploded. I spent my life afraid of someone finding out that she was gone, and that two young girls were living alone. I would have quit school, but I knew she would have been mad. Lace didn’t understand how I could be so cold. She cried constantly. I explained every day why I was doing the things I was, yet she disagreed. Mom wasn’t there to comfort her, and I didn’t know how anymore. Every day, I had to gather my defenses and my spells before we left the house. I prayed they wouldn’t fail me. Doing a protection spell on an object became natural and not forced. I hadn’t done them again until after I met you. No one knew the real me, and I couldn’t confide in anyone. I didn’t sense any other witches at school, and we didn’t travel further than that.
“I don’t know where Cameron and his dad lived. He didn’t attend our school. Perhaps they were visiting someone or just exploring the area. Mom got careless, and he caught her using magic. He was ill, and when she wouldn’t heal him, he killed her. Healing someone bad was against everything my mom stood for. She could tell it was his time. It is poetic that I killed his son. I don’t feel any regret for taking his life. I didn’t feel anything for him. In a twisted way, I got justice for her.” I exhale roughly. “I hope she is at peace.”
“She would be proud,” he rumbles, and then hesitates.
“What?” I whisper.
“Is the owl your mom?” he asks.
“No. He’s my dad.” I smile slightly. “He was human when they met. Mom knew they were soul bonds, yet he knew nothing about magic. She couldn’t rush into their relationship, so she didn’t tell him for several months. They dated like a normal human couple would. She wanted to gain his trust, and as she said,make himfall madly in love with me.”I brush my hair back and grasp a fistful. “She was right. He fell fast for her and didn’t run away when she revealed her magic.” I drop my hand. “Their romance was consuming, but Dad wasn’t ready to complete the bond. He couldn’t hold back, though, and Mom got pregnant. They agreed to have me before they joined their souls. As time went on, I came into the world, and soon she was expecting Lace. Mom didn’t care if Dad had magic; the life they were building was simple, and their love kept them devoted. Once Lace was born, finalizing their connection was the last step. Dad was nervous and not sure what would happen and what powers he would have, if any. When the day they picked came, Dad was rushing to get home and got into an accident. The roads were slick, and he skidded off the road. He wrapped his car around a tree,” I whisper, and Rome grabs my hand. “Mom felt something. She knew something was wrong. By the time she put us in the car and searched the roads she knew he would take, it was too late. He was close to death, and when she tried to heal him, it didn’t work. Her spells urged her to find another way to keep him with her. The magic was telling her that Dad had another purpose. She did a spell that turned his soul into a bird, so he would always be with us, but in a different way.”
“Did you always know about him?” he asks.
“No. I thought it was silly when the owl watched her in the backyard. Mom waited until we were a bit older. I was ten when she revealed the facts of the nice bird who stayed in the tree. Itwas hard to believe, yet I felt a weird connection to him. He’s similar to a familiar to me, yet I’ve never seen him do any magic. Although I believe he did when we were young and trying to hide. He’s been a comforting presence when our lives have been chaotic. As I sat in the cage in the Games, I wished he were there, but I was also glad that he stayed with Lace. I thought somehow that was extra protection for her. Magic doesn’t solve every problem, but I needed him to stop the bad things happening to us. When Mom died, I yelled at him. Why couldn’t she come back in another form? Why was it final for her? Sometimes, I think he can talk to me because I hear responses in my head. I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or wishful thinking. He disappears at times, and I like to think he is getting messages to my mom somehow. I speak to him in my mind; it makes me feel closer to Mom. I would give anything to talk to her again. Is she okay? Happy? Is she proud?”
“You’ve been an amazing sister and have sacrificed your life in her memory. I know she is at peace.”
“I don’t see it as a sacrifice,” I say, shaking my head. “I tried to follow in her footsteps, but I’m not sure I’ve succeeded. She was loving and soft. Our lives were filled with laughter and fun. I haven’t been fun since. Once we left the house, all the magic I did was shoved back inside. I didn’t want to let it out again. Lace began to understand why I hid us and my spells. She didn’t blame me, yet I didn’t confide in her how I felt.”
“She loves you. I can see how much she admires you.”
“I have wondered if she wishes we were different. She wanted more magic and feels less because of her lack of it. I suppose I felt a little guilty for having it when she didn’t. I’ve been distant and kept my emotions and the details of my captivity from her. She is a wonderful sister and trusts me to know everything I do is for a good reason. But I haven’t trusted myself.” I glide myfingers down his arm, and his tattoos brighten. “Until you,” I whisper.
“You’ve always had the power,” he says softly.
“Yes, yet I was afraid. You believe in me, and although I’ve known that Lace does, it’s different with you. Doing magic with you makes me feel as if I’m home. You didn’t question if I could do my spells, but encouraged me to reach for my potential.” I press my hand to my chest. “The way you make me feel scares me because I wouldn’t survive if I lost you. I’ve been sleeping for years, walking through life with no direction or happiness. Every day became a chore to get through. Hiding us was my only goal. I didn’t believe there was a happy ending for me. When you walked into the store, my soul lit up. I felt it reaching for you, and my spells wanted to join with you.” I drop my hand to the bed, and he covers it with his. “I didn’t want to admit that I was falling for you. In a big way. The soul bond can’t force me to love you, yet that’s all I’ve wanted to do since we met. It’s not a coincidence that we met right after Jerry touched me. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to seek him out if you weren’t with me, encouraging me.
“I dreamed of being normal, but I’ve changed my mind. I never will be, and I’m proud to be a witch. Using my touch to get justice for others never occurred to me, and I was shocked to see my spells at work in a way I didn’t think possible. Everything is possible when I’m with you. I feel like I can take on the world when you are on my side. You allow me to be myself, and at the same time, you’ve changed the way I see things. You’re bold, sexy, strong, and have confidence in who you are. I’m inspired by the way you use your magic. It flows through you with every movement. Your loyalty to Archer and love for your family are beautiful. I want them to be mine too. I want you to be mine. Don’t doubt my love for you. I haven’t touched anyone for a very long time, and when your skin was against mine for the firsttime, I was overwhelmed with need. I’ve craved the loving touch of another, but that’s not why I want us to complete the soul bond. You see me. You see every part of me. When you look at me, you make me feel like I’m the only person in the world. Your patient and have respected my need to take it slow. My desire for you is…” I swallow hard. “Something I’ve never felt, and it is difficult to put into words. Yes, I know the pleasure you will give me will be on another level, but our connection is what I crave.” I bite my lip, staring into his intense eyes. “My heart has never let a man into it until you. I’ve waited for forgiveness for the things I have done, but I don’t need it anymore. I did what I did out of love, love for my sister, and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it anymore. You showed me that I should be proud of how far I'm willing to go for my family. I want to be your family, and I will fight for you for the rest of our time on earth. I love you, Rome,” I breathe. He looks at our hands for a moment before meeting my eyes again.
“I ignored humans, but you knew your purpose was to help. I admire you. The pain of the emotions you have been forced to live with is unimaginable. Many would have hidden away from the world and never left their house. You still started a business with Lace and protected her fiercely. I hate the things you went through, and you shouldn’t feel any guilt. You did what you had to, and Lace is safe because of it. I wish your mom were still alive because she would see what an incredible woman you have become.” I suck in a sharp breath. “Wherever she is, I know she is proud. I have taken my family for granted. My mom and aunt are intrusive, but that’s how they show their love. They are your family now. Be prepared to be showered with advice. Archer will be loyal to you and respect our bond. He will watch out for Lace and be a friend you didn’t know you needed. I love you desperately,” he whispers fiercely, and my eyes water. “I’m lucky that the universe thought I was good enough to be your bond. Ididn’t do anything to deserve you, but I won’t question it. You are mine, and I am yours. Our magic, souls, and bodies will be connected in a way no one can understand. I want to start our lives together. Have children.” I gasp. “Kids with your black hair and fierce spirit. Do you want to be a mother?”
“Yes, I didn’t think I would be able to because of my touch.” I gave up the dream of having a house full of children.
“Dream big, my Mara,” he rumbles, cupping my cheek. “Nothing can stop us now. We will build a home full of love, touch, and magic.” The lights flicker. “Are you ready to join our souls?”
“I don’t know what to do,” I whisper, and he removes his hand.
“Our spells will guide us.” He sits up and holds up his hand. I place my hand in his, and the room fills with light. I sit in front of him. “We have always had the ability to bond; our minds needed to catch up with the desire of our bodies. Once we accept our connection and complete it, we will merge our magic. Our life forces will be tied together. I will always be able to find you just by looking inside myself. If you are ever hurt or scared, I will feel it. I believe once it’s done, your touch will never overwhelm you without you willing it to see the emotions of others.” He places his arms across his bent knees and holds his palms up. “My ability to take power from emotions will also be yours, and you will share your touch with me.”
“It won’t hurt anymore.” I know it now. We will balance each other.
“No, it will never be painful again.” He smiles tenderly. “All you have to do is want it. Want us.” I look at his hands. They are strong and will hold my heart with care.
“I do accept it. I love you.” I put my hands on top of his, and thunder booms. My wide eyes look into his.
“I love you. We will be one. I give you my heart, soul, and my power.” The bedroom door slams against the wall, and wind whips through the room.
“I give you my heart, soul, and power,” I say, my voice deep.
My spells float through my words, and I can see the magic flowing between us. I was scared of the unknown, but my magic knows what to do, and the words I need to say come from deep inside. My hair blows around my face, and light emanates between our palms. The bed begins to shake, but I don’t look away from Rome. His life flashes within the depths, and I feel his experiences. His love for his family and me is strong. The heartbreak he has felt becomes mine, and my body takes some of his burden away. Sparks shoot through my spells, and they expand and grow. His energy fills my soul, and we begin to merge. Our spells become visible. Mine are red, and his are green. They twine together, flowing between us, dancing together. I gasp when his slams into me, and I know my eyes are glowing. His head tips back when mine do the same to him, and he groans. Desire starts to flood through me, and his love finds its way to my heart. I don’t wonder if the words he said were true; I feel what he feels. My tattoos start to brighten, I can feel them burning, but it doesn’t hurt me. I glance at his chest, and colors flutter over his skin.
The thunder continues outside, and I can feel the electricity from the lightning as if it’s inside the room. My world expands. We will forever be together, and our magic will be great. Rome straightens and looks into my eyes. I feel his surprise as my emotions tangle with his. I know he can see into my head and will never doubt my love or need for him. He will live in my memories and will see all my experiences and heartbreak. The day we met is pushed from me to him, and his mouth parts. The wonder of the moment, and my craving for him, is shownclearly. Secrets are no longer between us. I cry out as the final step is taken and we complete the merge, our souls connecting.
Rome yanks me forward, and I collide with his chest. His breathing is short and choppy. Our hearts are racing to the same beat. I climb onto his lap, straddling him, and wrap my arms around his shoulders, cupping the back of his head. His forehead hits my shoulder, and the warmth of his breath skates over my collar, and I shiver. The wind slows, the lights dim, and the world outside becomes quiet. We don’t speak as our bodies settle into the new reality of our being one. I feel different. Alive. Rome’s power is inside me. I’ve been waiting for him.
“Are you alright, my Mara?” he asks, pulling back. He cups my neck, his fingers spread over my chin.
“I don’t know how I could feel better.” I grin.
