Page 22 of Enchanted Hero
“I believe some people have certain abilities.” She stepped toward the fortune teller’s tent. “For instance, there’s you.”
For a second his eyes flashed, a play of the sun making it seem like they literally glowed. He folded his arms across his chest. “What abilities do you think I have?”
“The ability to get people to do what you want. To follow your every bidding. To worship you. All except me, of course.”
He visibly relaxed. “Those aren’t powers.”
“Just because you don’t have special abilities doesn’t mean other people don’t. You don’t have to be the best in everything, you know.” She grinned, tapping him on the shoulder.
He looked down to where she’d touched him, and his lips curved into a smile. “That’s ridiculous. If extraordinary people existed, surely I’d be their leader.”
She pulled him toward the tent. “Come on. Maybe I can convince you to let her you’re your fortune. Then I’ll find out all your secrets.”
“Are you sure you’re ready to hear them?” His voice was low and soft. And suddenly she had the urge to do exactly that.
Just perhaps Alexander Stone had secrets worth discovering.
CHAPTER 5
Incense and earthy spice scented the dim tent, lit by slivers of sunlight and tealight candles in colorful stained-glass lanterns. Bright beaded tapestries lined the walls, matching jewel-hued pillows covering the grassy floor. A diminutive woman with gray hair and emerald eyes set in a weathered face greeted them, “Welcome, my children. I am Madame Narissa. Are you here to have your fortunes told?”
“Yes.” Everleigh reached into her purse for a ten-dollar bill. “Here’s enough for both of us.”
Before she could give the money to the elderly woman, Alexander smoothed a twenty into the woman’s hand. “Just her,” he murmured.
Narissa paused, her gaze darting back and forth. She gave her head a little shake, turned back to Everleigh. “Please take a seat, Miss Lacey.”
Everleigh parted her lips. “You know my name?”
“Magic and…” The old woman smiled. “It’s on your VIP badge.”
“Of course.” Everleigh straightened the golden lanyard. “You could’ve used that to your advantage.”
“That would be deceitful.” Narissa smoothed out a large floor pillow. “When I read your fortune, it’s what I truly see, not some trick. Sit here.”
Everleigh sank down on the plush pillow, while Alexander stood to the side like a soldier on duty. Narissa grasped her hand with surprising strength, maneuvering it with deft fingers. She studied it carefully, tracing its lines and flattening its contours. “You’re facing a drastic upheaval.” She smoothed the palm. “Someone has come into your life who will change everything.”
Everleigh nodded at the true if vague statement, as Narissa continued, “He will challenge you, redefine your existence. He’s unlike any you’ve ever known.”
Alexander shifted in the background, but Everleigh didn’t look away from the woman’s piercing eyes. Though her words were still somewhat general, they fit her life perfectly.
“Don’t fight your destiny.” Narissa’s voice was strong. “It will only bring challenges, and not change the ending. Learn what is within your power to stop, and what you must accept.”
Everleigh swallowed a lump of heavily scented air. It was true, yet still likely a coincidence. Despite what she told Alexander, she was skeptical of people sharing fortunes at county fairs. Yet the old woman seemed genuine as she clutched her hand. “Not even the strongest can fight destiny.”
“I have no choice?” Everleigh cried unplanned words. “I have absolutely no control?”
The woman lowered her voice. “Of course, you do. All of us affect our future, but true destiny cannot be denied. You must learn to accept this.” She rubbed her hand. “I see your turmoil, child, but do not despair. Your future is beautiful. You will have much happiness. Love, success–” She smiled. “Children.”
Despite a hundred misgivings, Everleigh softened. She’d always focused on her career, but lately she’d considered pursuing something of a more domestic nature, especially as friends and colleagues had attained boyfriends, fiancés and husbands.Children.
The old woman chuckled, looking upward as if she were actually seeing some sort of vision. “Rambunctious little children. It almost looks like they’re–” She stopped.
“Looks like they’re what?”
The woman turned pensive. “You’ll think I’m teasing you.”
“No, I won’t,” she promised. “What do you see?”
