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11|So Many Questions, So Many Regrets
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Forsaken 12|Truth Or Dare
Cadence was in the mood for a little game of truth or dare. She followed her mom inside, the wind yanking the door and banging it shut behind them."Mom, you keep saying Luca is dangerous, but you're not telling me what he did. How can I trust you when you pretended to have met him for the first time today? And what's this business about my blood? What did he mean when he said my blood sealed his brother in?" Cadence wouldn't let up, she was on to something, and they both knew it."You were eavesdropping on us?" Sonja demanded angrily.But Cadence stood her ground. She knew her mom was trying to deflect attention from herself. She wouldn't allow that; she couldn't let her turn the tables on her and make her feel guilty."I wasn't eavesdropping. You were shouting. I think the whole bayou heard you, Mom!"Sonja opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She went to the living room and sat down."Cade." She patted the empty spot beside her for Cadence to join her."We were hoping i
The Forsaken 13|I Know Things
As he paced the living room, Luca kept switching his worried glances between the sleeping form on the love seat and April quietly speaking with Andrew in the corner. Even though their voices were low, he could clearly hear their muted discussion, which only pissed him off. They doubted his ability to lead the clan, and bringing Cadence to the house after almost running her over had intensified their lack of faith in him. They thought he was being sloppy and getting too entangled with the enemy. But what else was he supposed to do? Leave Cadence unconscious on the side of the road?Cadence stirred, and Luca knelt in front of her in a flash.She moaned aloud as she tried to sit up, "Argh!" "Hey, slow down," he tried to gently push her back on the couch, but Cadence refused to comply."What happened?" she asked. Her eyes shone like diamonds in the dim light. Just for that moment, as Luca gently brushed her hair away from her forehead, he was convinced they were the only light he'd ever n
The Forsaken 14|Not The Enemy
As Cadence slowly trudged home, she couldn't stop thinking about Luca's parting words. What did he mean when he said he 'knew things'? Were these things about her? Her mom? Her coven? Did any of it have anything to do with the night his brother was bound? Did Luca hold any of it against her, because it was her blood that sealed the door, subjecting his brother to eternal damnation?These were just some of the questions swimming in her head, and as much as she didn't want to admit it, Luca had gotten to her with his cryptic words."Stop it!" Cadence shook herself, well aware she was driving herself nuts with questions only Luca could answer. But a part of her couldn't help thinking that messing with her head and shaking her faith in everything and everyone she had believed in her whole life was part of his plan.The more distance she put between them, the more convinced Cadence was that Luca was playing games with her, and his cryptic words were his wicked attempt to manipulate her int
The Forsaken 15|Marked-Part 1
"Mom, I don't blame you; I understand why you all did it. And I'm not angry with you; I wish you'd told me right from the beginning, not because you felt cornered by Luca," Cadence told her mom over breakfast the next morning. They didn't get a chance to talk last night. Her mom had gone straight to her room, claiming she had a headache. This morning, when Cadence walked into the kitchen and found chocolate pancakes—her favourite—laid out on the table for her, she was so relieved. It seemed her mom was just as eager to put their fight behind them, and making her breakfast was her apology. "You do?" Sonja asked as she took a small sip of her chamomile tea."Yes, I do," Cadence told her. To show her she meant it, she left her seat, wrapped her arms around her neck, and kissed the top of her head."I think if I had faced the same choices, I would have done the same thing," she added softly."Thank you, Cade, that means a lot to me," Sonja gently patted her hand and ushered her back to
The Forsaken 16|Marked-Part 2
"WOW. This is so romantic. You are the only one who can save Luca's brother!" Rachel sighed dreamily as she fell back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.Cadence shook her head. There was nothing romantic about her situation. Luca simply wanted her blood. End of story."I have to stay away from him. He's bad," Cadence whispered, more to herself as she got up from the bed. But Rachel heard her. She, too, sat up and glared at her. "I don't think you can. If Rudi's right about him, you and Luca have a connection. It's unavoidable.""Don't be absurd. I just met the guy. When would we have had a chance to mark me or do whatever Rudy thinks he's done?" Cadence asked, even though she already knew the answer. It must have been yesterday at his house. For the first time since her near accident, she wondered exactly what happened between the time she passed out before he could run her over and when she woke up in Luca's living room. Her head was still fuzzy, but she didn't question it then,
The Forsaken 17No Harm Done
"I have a boyfriend, so stop whatever games you're playing!" Cadence snapped at him, the look in her eyes hard, her voice firm. But her insides were all shaky. She was quivering from anger, disappointment, and raw hurt."I don't want that Kingston boy touching you. Break things off with him." Luca made demands of his own, ignoring everything she'd said."Now, why the hell would I do that?""Because I said so!""And you think that's a good enough reason?" Her lip curled down petulantly, Cadence scoffed at him, her anger rising in her throat, threatening to snuff out the air from her lungs. "You don't get to tell me what to do. He's my boyfriend.""For now, maybe, but it's not going to go the way he wants. So, cut him loose!"And to prove he was right about everything, he drew her in his arms again and kissed her. This time it was different. He was possessive almost, but still tender and passionate, like in their memory, and Cadence knew he wasn't toying with her now. But, that knowledge
The Forsaken 18|What Have We Done
Sonja stuck around for a few minutes, listening to Cadence weep her heart out. She was sad it had come to this, devastated that she was forced to show her the scrapbook to get her point across.She wanted to walk into Cadence's room, take her in her arms, and promise her it would be okay. But her daughter wasn't five anymore. Hot chocolate and marshmallows weren't going to heal the ache in her heart.With a heavy sigh, Sonja headed for the front door. The coven had a meeting with the alliance at the Midnight Star pack's camp in the woods.The walk, which took less than ten minutes, was a welcomed relief. She needed to calm down and clear her head before the meeting.The sound of dirt and pine needles crunching beneath her feet soothed her taut nerves, and the heady scent from the violets smattering the forest made her think back to a time when Cadence was just a little girl, and they would venture into the woods to pick flowers. Her daughter loved being out and about as much as picking
The Forsaken 19|Bring To The Table-Part 1
Andrew was livid. They didn't have to be telepathic for Luca to know this. The reckless way he sped through the bumpy dirt roads from the bayou towards the busy city centre said it all. His cousin was okay before they left the house. So Luca could only assume his long chat with Cadence was the real reason for Andrew's sudden anger.Neither Luca nor April dared say anything, let alone ask him to slow down. Leaving him alone was the best thing to do when he was in one of his moods.With nothing to see outside except endless miles of bushes and wheat fields, Luca closed his eyes and listened to April sing along to My Chemical Romance blaring from the stereo, and he allowed his thoughts to drift to Cadence. He knew she loved the band from her large collection of the albums he saw on her desk when he'd snuck in to leave the origami swan. But not as much as she loved dancing. That, Luca knew, was her first love. And like most first loves, Cadence poured all her time and energy into it by wor
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The Forsaken 62|A New Dance
Luca reached up and caressed her cheek.Cadence closed her eyes, wishing he wouldn't, but at the same time, she didn't want him to stop. He was her own little pill, her addiction, one she knew was bad for her, but couldn't give up or refuse all the same."Luca," she whispered as he pressed her body close to his.They didn't say anything for some time as they stood there, revelling in their heated embrace.Soon, though, just having Cadence in his arms was no longer enough for Luca. He had to have to her. So he picked her up and placed her on the altar bed.It was cold and hard, but Cadence didn't notice. All she was aware of was the heat between them as he covered her body with his.Their kissing was tentative at first, but grew more heated and urgent as he greedily pried her mouth open, demanding more of her while removing their clothes, stripping them of everything standing between their desires.Cadence was stunned by how easy it was to put aside all her uncertainties and give in to
The Forsaken 61|Things Changed
Long after she'd called Sonja and asked to hitch a ride with them to Bridgetown, Cadence was still in her room, sobbing in her hands, crying over the Origami swan Luca had left for her on her desk at some point during the day.Like that first time, his message was short and to the point. 'We need to talk'."Oh, Luca!" Cadence thought sadly. He'd picked a hell of a time to want to talk. She honestly didn't see how talking would change anything. Her father was right. She had to go to Bridgetown for Emme, if not for herself. She had to honour her mentor's memory. And she knew in her heart that Luca would never leave his brother, especially when he missed twenty years with him."It wouldn't have worked out anyway. Long-distance relationships hardly ever work out," Cadence consoled herself as she got up from the bed and wiped away her tears. She stuffed her music box in her backpack and took one final wistful look at her room before she headed out. She was going to miss her home and Shado
The Forsaken 60|Out Of Love
Warwick took small sips from his mug as he stared at Sonja. He knew his unwavering gaze was unsettling for her. But for the life of him, he couldn't look away."You are staring," Sonja admonished quietly, unable to take his scrutiny any longer."I'm sorry." Warwick smiled, showing his fangs briefly as he crossed the room and took her hands. He turned them over and kissed her palms like he used to back then, before that night all those years ago. His simple gesture reminded Sonja of how much she'd missed out on. All the little things she'd forced herself not to think about until now made her want to cry."How is it possible? You haven't aged a day," he murmured as he brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. "It's like time stopped the day I left, and now it's picking up right where we left off."Sonja wept harder at his words. They were absurd. As much as she loved her daughter and didn't regret a single moment with her, Cadence's existence was a painful reminder of how much time
The Forsaken 59|Your Dream
Luca hated to break up the reunion party, but the newly freed vampires had to feed and get ready to clear out of Shadowbrooke. So while everyone prepared for their departure, Cadence and her father went to the crypt to talk.Cadence sat on the altar bed, and he joined her and took her hand."You did nothing wrong, Cadence.""I locked you away." Cadence shook her head. She knew he was trying to make her feel better. But nothing would change the fact that her blood had sealed him in and robbed him of twenty years of his life he would never get back."And your blood has freed me now," Warwick reminded her.Cadence gave him an incredulous look. "You read my thoughts?""I can, but I didn't have to. I can see it in your eyes, the guilt you feel. It's time you forgave yourself."Cadence didn't say anything after this. There was so much she wanted to say to him, though, but she barely knew him, barely knew what he liked and didn't like."There'll be plenty of time for that," Warwick smiled and
The Forsaken 58|Freed
The anxiety in the cellar had mounted to an unbearable point. It was so intense that Luca could almost taste it in his throat. He swallowed hard, unable to believe that in just under an hour, it would all be over. All the years of tireless searching for the star and hoping for a miracle had finally come to this moment.April tugged at his arm and led him to the corner of the room, away from the ritual space.Rudolf, now awake, looked subdued as he sat on the cot with his back pressed against the wall and silently watched the excitement in the centre of the room."Do you think it will work?" April asked, her voice barely audible. But Luca had heard her. He gave her a sidelong look to reassure her. "Of course, it will!"April tried to smile. But her eyes clouded up with tears as she played with her hair.Luca pulled her close and asked, "what's wrong?""I am terrified." April bawled on his chest. Her sniffling drew the attention of the witches, and they stared at them for a bit before r
The Forsaken 57|Closure
They all took Emme's death hard, but none of them had the luxury to grieve. They still had a lot more to do. And Sonja gave them just the distraction they needed. She got everyone to work as soon as they returned to the manor.While the three younger witches prepared the cellar for the ritual, she went to her house to pack a few things and close off the place.She was surprised to find her sister and Romulus waiting for her."What do you want now?" she asked impatiently."That was a hell of a risk you took." Luann rose and stretched her limbs. Romulus also stood up and moved aside to let Sonja through.Sonja knew her sister was referring to Ethan, and she didn't want to get into it with her. "It worked. That's all that matters.""And we are grateful."Sonja was about to turn the key on the door. She stopped and looked at Luann, surprised to see something close to sincerity, or maybe remorse, in her eyes."So, what's the plan? You're going to open the door?" Luann asked."Nothing will
The Forsaken 56|The Price Of Magic
"What took you so long?" Luca demanded as soon as Emme took on her human form again in the woods where she'd left them. "I got tied up," she replied. "Did you find them?" Sonja asked, sounding a little anxious. Emme nodded her head and filled them in, giving them as much detail as possible.When Luca heard about Ethan's small army, he wanted to abort the plan. It was too dangerous. They'd banked on the fact that Ethan's fledglings would be resting and at their weakest since it was daylight. But knowing they were awake and in bloodlust, he didn't want to take a chance and risk all their lives."He's locked them up in cages. If and when he realises what's happening, he won't have enough time to release them all!" Emme argued.But nothing anyone said would change Luca's mind. "No! It's too dangerous. We're dropping this whole thing and heading home. NOW!"April decided to settle the matter the old school way. She called for a vote. Cadence understood the urgency, but on the other han
The Forsaken 55|Ethan's Lair
By the time Rachel reached the manor, she was hysterical and almost breathless from running. It took some time for Sonja to calm her down and get the whole story from her."I told you it wouldn't work! Ethan's figured out the star we gave him is a fake." April was the first to fall apart. And it wasn't long before everyone had something to say, and the tension in the room reached an unbearable point.April wanted to open the door urgently, get the hell out of Shadowbrooke, and leave the pack and Sonja's coven to deal with Ethan's wrath.Luca and Andrew refused to entertain her. They couldn't sit back and watch the town go up in flames. They had an obligation to help. After all, Ethan's retaliation was solely on them this time around."Did they fucking help us twenty years ago?" April couldn't keep a lid on her emotions as she and Luca went head to head, exchanging heated words. The tension brewing between them for years now had finally bubbled over, and their verbal war was devastatin
The Forsaken 54|Tricked
Hours after he'd left Luca, Ethan was still fuming. He couldn't believe how Sonja's daughter had messed up his plan at the last minute. He should have accounted for the fact that she might change back, but the thought had never crossed his mind, in all honesty.He'd had no intention of returning Cadence. In fact, he would have killed her right there, while in her spectral form, and hung her on that same tree where Luca had hung his father. Yes, he had planned to make Luca watch him take away what was most precious to him."Damn that fucking cat!" He slammed his fist on the glass tabletop. The untouched goblet toppled over. Surprisingly, it didn't break, but the liquid inside made a mess all over the cracked surface.Eugénie was a picture of calmness. She'd been with him long enough to get used to his fits of rage. They no longer disturbed her."We'll get him soon enough." She purred as she got up from her seat and draped her arms over his shoulders. Ethan grunted his displeasure, an
