Page 87 of The Immortal's One
I’m finally ready to confront the one Immortal who might be able to help me—or who might make everything so much worse.
Time to figure out which one it is.
24
I stormthrough lush grass that stretches beyond the well-kept lawn, heading toward the dense forest that borders the valley where the mansion looms. The chances of finding Des out here are slim, but I call out to the universe… to the Creator… to whoever might be paying attention to let me find the one Immortal who might willingly help me leave this place.
After we make sure no one plans to murder me the moment I step off the property…
Anxiety burns through me. The story of Des’s past soulmates is undeniably tragic. I feel bad for those women. I feel bad for Des.
But my story won’t end the way theirs did. I’m not Des’sOne. I don’t have the bond they shared; the fate that tied them together. Iwillconvince Des to help me prove that. I’ll find a way to make his brothers, the rebellion, everyone see the truth: I’m not Des’s reincarnated soulmate.
And once that’s done, I’m going home. No more hesitation, no more waiting. I’m determined to make it happen.
Sunlight filters through the fluffy clouds above, and a brisk breeze tousles my loose hair. I’m dressed in one of the fashionable outfits from the guest room—flowing pants and a coordinating cardigan—unsuited for a trek through nature.
I could’ve changed, but I wasn’t about to risk missing Des. I have no idea how long he’ll be out here, and I’m not waiting another week to speak to him.
As I near the tree line, a familiar path emerges, one I’ve seen countless times from my balcony as Des and his brothers disappear into the forest. If he’s anywhere nearby, this is my best shot at finding him.
The trees grow thick, their leafy branches casting the forest in shadow. I jump when my phone vibrates in my pocket.
I usually leave my phone tucked away in my room, but Dad’s follow-up appointment is today, and I didn’t want to miss his text or call when he gets news about his scans.
When the screen lights up with a picture of me, Kevin, and Kayla from graduation, I hesitate, then swipe to answer the video call. “Hey.”
Kevin’s face fills the screen. His easy, handsome smile lifts my mood. “Hey, stranger. Long time, no talk.”
I can’t suppress my grin. They’ll never admit it, but he and Kayla are alike in so many ways, even down to their cheesy greetings. “We just talked yesterday.”
“Did we? Feels like forever ago.” His gaze lingers, playful, like he knows exactly what that does to me.
My stomach flutters. I’ve seen Kevin charm his way through high school with that smile, but it’s different now, being on the receiving end. I could get used to this.
“You out on a walk or something?” he asks, his voice smooth and casual.
“Yeah.” I glance around, the trees rustling softly in the wind. “The weather is nice today.”
“It looks great. Are you in a forest?”
“Yup.”
Kevin raises an eyebrow. “You have service out there? I’m impressed.”
I pause, suddenly aware of the bars at the top of my screen. Four. Four full bars.
I have no reception in the mansion, but the signal’s crystal clear here, and the call hasn’t dropped. If anything, the connection is better than it is with Wi-Fi.
How is that possible?
“How’s your day going?” Kevin changes the subject, forcing me to put my question aside. For now.
“Oh, you know… same old, same old.” I smile, trying not to let the turmoil from the reincarnation reveal dampen my mood. “How about you? Do you have any plans for the day?”
Greece is seven hours ahead of Maine. His day is just getting started.
“I’m going out with Kayla and her friend Amanda tonight.” He leans back in the gamer chair in his childhood bedroom. “Kayla’s been begging me to go cosmic bowling like we did when we were kids.”
