Page 92 of The Immortal's One
They can’t do that. Making a public statement like that will lock in the target already on my back. I’ll end up just like Des’s soulmates from the past.
Horror. Fear. Dread. They all churn in my gut, making me want to vomit.
Des begins to pace the small clearing and continues, “I’verepeatedly told the Council they’re mistaken, that you are not myOne. But my fellow Originals won’t listen.” He shakes his head, frustration palpable in every line of his posture. “They want to parade us in front of the lesser Immortals.”
My mind races. “Why would they want to do that?”
“I imagine they want my brothers and me to show off our power—to dissuade the rebels from continuing their misguided attempts to overthrow the Council. Or maybe they’re trying to provoke the rebellion into attacking at the ball. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised by either.”
My hands start to tremble against Argos’s fur. Being announced at a ball goes against my very simple plan of gettingoutof the rebellion's notice andoutof danger.
No. This won’t happen. I refuse.
“You’ll just find a way to get me out of going to the ball.” Determination strengthens my declaration. “If not, then you can openly contradict any announcement anyone tries to make, right then and there.”
I’ll admit, it’s not a very detailed plan, but it’s all I can think of at the moment.
Des glances at me with a rueful smile, but there’s something else in his gaze that sends a nervous flutter through my stomach. He turns away before I can figure it out.
“We could do both of those things,” he says with a slow nod. “But… I have another idea as well.”
I curl my fingers into Argos’s fur. “What is it?”
His hazel eyes lock with mine. Intent. Resolute. “The ball could be an opportunity for both of us to get what we want.”
Anticipation sends a shiver down my spine.
Argos lifts his head and nudges my hand. I loosen my grip and resume petting him, but my attention locks on Des. “Explain.”
He scans the forest. When his gaze returns to mine, the intensity makes my hands tremble.
“I only have a semblance of a plan.” His voice is low and thoughtful. “But if I can find a way to prove to the others that you are not myOneat the ball, would you be willing to play your part?”
Despite the whirlwind of questions in my mind, I don’t hesitate. “If it means I get to go back to my normal life, then of course.”
His expression softens just the slightest bit, but his tone remains serious. “Good. For now, will you go along with the preparations for the ball?”
I take a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”
Des’s lips draw into a smile so full of warmth that it practically lights up the whole forest. The vision of the incredibly handsome Immortal looking so happy catches me off guard. I won’t lie; I swoon a little bit.
“That’s great,” he says, his voice lighter now. “In the meantime, I’ll work on a plan that keeps you safe while getting us out of this mess with my fellow Originals. I’ll let you know what I come up with.”
Still mesmerized by his captivating smile, all I can do is croak out, “Sounds good.”
He uncrosses his arms and shoves his hands in his pockets. He looks down at the ground, still smiling. Then, he bends down and picks something up off the ground.
“You dropped this.” He straightens and holds something out toward me.
My phone!
My heartbeat stalls.
No!
I just got it back. I’m still waiting to hear from Dad about his scans. I can’t let Des take it from me.
Argos jumps to his paws as I scramble to stand. I reach forward and snatch the phone from Des’s hand, clutching it to my chest like I’m Gollum and it’s my precious.
