Page 63 of The Immortal's One
I picture him, grinning like a maniac, firing off endless questions. He’s always kept an open mind, even about the wildest ideas. He’d help me make sense of everything I’m learning. He’d help me feel like I’m not losing my mind.
My chest begins to ache, like a piece of my heart has been cleaved in two.I miss him.
“Darcie?” Bella watches me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I sniff, willing the tears burning my eyes to go away. “I just wish I could talk to my dad.”
Her delicate features soften. “I know this is hard, Darcie, but Maskings are delicate. Speaking with you could undo Lome’s work and make your father worry about your absence. I’m sure you don’t want that.”
Except, he should be worried about me…I’ve been attacked twice.
I bite my tongue and keep the words to myself. They won’t get me anywhere.
I can’t tell Bella I want to talk to my dad to find out if Lome kept his end of our bargain and healed him. Lome told me to keep our deal between us, but that doesn’t mean I can’t play the worried daughter card.
“I get what you’re saying, but do you think there’s any way I can check in with my dad? I wouldn’t tell him anything about what’s really going on. I just want to make sure he’s okay.”
Bella chews the inside of her cheek, her gaze drifting to the lawn over the balcony. I follow her gaze. A figure moves across the grass in the distance—tall, broad. Even from here, Iknow it’s Des. His posture, the way he carries himself, something about him that makes him stand out.
The broody Immortal and I haven’t spoken since the day I arrived. We haven’t even been in the same room together. He’s holding to what he told Thane and Lome. I’m their responsibility. Not his.
Though, neither Lome nor Thane have bothered to speak with me much either. At least I have Bella.
Even though it’s only been two days, I’ve warmed up to the friendly Immortal. Bella won’t share information her family wants kept private, but at least she’s here and willing to answer most of my questions.
A brown blur races out of the trees, charging towards Des.
A shout rises, but I swallow it when I realize it’s just a dog. The furry animal bounds towards Des, skidding to a halt at his feet. The Immortal bends to pet the creature.
I try to imagine his hazel eyes warming with affection for the animal, but I can’t.
“I will speak to Thane for you.”
I jerk my gaze away from Des and the dog. My heart stutters for a moment as I process what Bella just said.
“Really?” My voice trembles with a mix of hope and disbelief. “Youwill?”
“I can’t promise he’ll agree, but I’ll ask. If there’s a way for you to speak with your father, I’ll find it. After all…” Her voice softens, sadness flickering in her eyes. “…I know too well what it's like to miss your family.”
Bella has lived hundreds of years without her parents and siblings. Sure, she has a husband she loves and seems fond of her in-laws, but that doesn’t erase her love for her family.
That’s just one more reason I know I’m not Des’sOne.
Through Bella, I’ve learned about the bond between thebrothers and theirOne. The overwhelming, undeniable pull is a connection that never lets go, no matter the cost. Time only makes it stronger.
When my memories from the club returned, I’ll admit that I felt an instant attraction to Des. And who could blame me? The man is gorgeous. His surly demeanor only adds to the mystery and allure of those flawless, masculine features.
Then there’s the way his touch sent shockwaves through my body…
But as much as my body reacted to Des, my heart didn’t follow.
I couldnever choose a life like Bella’s over the one I’ve known. My dad, my friends, my future—they’re my anchor, my reality. That life is what I want; what I need to return to.
I don’t belong here. I don’t belong to Des.
Now, I just have to convince the Immortals.
If I don’t, whether or not their enemies remain a threat to me, I’m not confident they’ll ever let me go home…
