Page 11 of The Demon King's Destiny

She wasn’t sure she liked Jasper calling attention to it. If a handsome male such as he thought her odd, what wouldhethink of her, the one who never strayed far from her mind?

Jasper was a stark contrast to her dream male. Where Marrok was dark and broody, both in looks and personality, Jasper was light and fun. Light and fun might be more akin to her personality than dark and broody. Evelyn didn’t like the thought she wasn’t capable of attracting a male like Marrok.

“I should probably head home and clean myself up,” she said quietly.

“Let me escort you,” he insisted, offering his hand and pulling her up to her feet.

Jasper looked down the path, the one leading to the Greycen’s farm. It was in the opposite direction of Evelyn’s home. He would be late, but he didn’t like the idea of sending her off alone after that fall.

Evelyn shook her head. “I’m fine, Jasper. You’ve got a further trek than I, anyway. I’d hate for you to be late.”

He opened his mouth to protest and she pushed him backwards with air currents. “Go, before I dump you in the stream.”

“Alright, alright. No need for violence,” he jested. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Now leave.”

“As you wish, my lady.” Jasper bowed gracefully. When he straightened, his expression was serious. “I really am very sorry, Evie.”

He hadn’t called her Evie since they were young. She liked it, in a brotherly sort of way. A tiny part of her thought life would be easier if she simply gave in to a male like Jasper, explored the potential for something more with another elemental.

It would never work. She didn’t want any of the males she knew. Even if she’d allowed the kiss, she knew Jasper well enough to know he wasn’t seeking something permanent.

Besides, she’d been waiting two years for the demon to return to her dreamworld or, preferably, knock on her father’s door. How long was she expected to wait? Having faith in Fate was no simple task.

With a shrug she waved him off. “It’s fine. If it will make you feel better, you can owe me a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Oh, you really shouldn’t make such promises. I might just take you up on it.”

“Are you flirting with me?”

“What? No!”

He chuckled and saluted her as he walked backwards. “Until we meet again, fair Evelyn.” Then turned and jogged away.

Once he was out of sight, Evelyn sagged against the boulder, covering her eyes with her hands. Her face was throbbing and she now had a terrible headache. Even her bottom was becoming sore. Her adrenaline must have started to wear off.

She traced her lips with her fingers, wondering what it would have felt like to have Jasper’s mouth touch hers. She argued it was out of curiosity. Any female her age would want to know what it was like to be kissed.

A prickof guilt struck her and she destroyed the thought. She was positive—mostly—Fate had marked her for another. She should not entertain such fantasies.

So much for relaxing meditation.At least the ordeal would make for an entertaining story with her sisters.

She stood upright and blew out a sighing breath, taking one last look at the water. A flash of something caught her attention. Evelyn walked closer to the bank, searching below the surface for whatever had caught the sun’s rays.

A glint of silver glimmered and she bent, peering closer. She lowered herself to her hands and knees. Opening her mind, she called to the elements to bring her the item.

With a plop, the reflective piece sailed out of the water and landed in her hand. It was a circular medallion attached to a thick, silver chain.

Evelyn wiped away the silt with her thumbs. She dipped it in the water to rinse away the last of the sand and mud. Putting it in her palm, she brought it close to her face.

In the center of the medallion was an intricate design of a tree. The trunk was wide and the roots visible. Woven into the pattern of bark was the letter M.

Marrok, the name skirted across her mind. The elements buzzed around her in agreement.

Her hands shook. Marrok was a demon. Yes, he’d visited her dreams twice, but he hadn’t really been out here in the forest.

---